Sous le chapeau – Under the hat
Sous le Chapeau – Under the Hat is the name of the sculpture that adorns the entrance to the Hungarian Institute, located near the Luxembourg Gardens and the Church of Saint-Sulpice. This cultural institution, also known as the Balassi Institute, offers a range of activities, from exhibitions to language courses.
The sculpture, depicting a young woman sitting on a bench, dressed in a summer dress and barefoot, seems so lifelike that one has the impression she might stand up at any moment. Many passersby stop, perhaps even joining her on the bench, which is spacious enough to accommodate several people.
But it is her wide-brimmed hat, adorned with elegant curls, which partially conceals her face, that intrigues. Upon closer inspection, you discover the young woman’s delicate facial features framed by her hands. With her eyes half-closed and a serene smile, she seems lost in thought, radiating tranquillity. It’s as if she’s inviting you to share her dreams, to join her in contemplation.
She also wears an anklet bearing the name of the sculptor, Andras Lapis, while a discreet inscription inside her hat reads “Kalap alap,” which means “Under the hat” in Hungarian.
Andras Lapis, a highly talented Hungarian sculptor, began creating his masterpiece, “Under the Hat,” in 1975, starting with a plaster model. However, it wasn’t until 1992 that the sculpture was achieved.
The original “Under the Hat” is located in Szeged, Hungary, where it intrigues passersby and visitors in much the same way as in Paris.
The statue placed in front of the Hungarian Institute in Paris in 2007 is a replica of this first work.
Continuing his exploration of themes related to feminine youth and its enigmatic charm, Lapis unveiled another creation in 2012: a sister sculpture named Lili, which you can see in the city of Troyes.
Directions: 6th district – 92 rue Bonaparte
Metro: Saint-Sulpice on Line 4
Coordinates: Lat 48.849121 – Long 2.332402
