Columbia’s Easter bonnet (1901)

"Columbia's Easter Bonnet" (1901) by Samuel Ehrhart presents a captivating and satirical illustration that vividly captures the zeitgeist of its era. This chromolithograph features Columbia, a personification of the United States, preparing herself in front of a mirror. Dressed in a military-style jacket adorned with the stars and stripes, she tries on an extravagant hat festooned with symbols of American expansion and power.The bonnet itself is provocatively decorated with various items, including battleships labeled "NAVY" and "KRAG", a reference to the Krag-Jørgensen rifles utilized by American troops during this period. These embellishments underscore the United States' burgeoning role as a global power following its victories in the Spanish-American War. The ribbon on the hat boldly proclaims "WORLD POWER", highlighting the nation's new-found international status.In this artwork, Ehrhart employs a blend of humor and critique to comment on national military pride and America's imperial ambitions at the turn of the 20th century. The image is not just a portrait; it's a reflection of the political and military climate of the time, rendered through a lens of visual irony and national identity. Through Columbia's readiness to don her "Easter bonnet," the artist subtly questions the nation's enthusiasm for its own expanding powers.