Fitted for a Suit 1916

J.C. Leyendecker’s “Fitted for a Suit” is rendered in a style that captures not just a scene, but a mood and a moment. Looking at the tailored pinstripes, I see a symphony of precise strokes, offset by softer, almost watercolour-like washes that hint at the background. The colour palette is muted – browns, tans, creams – all working together to create a sense of warmth and intimacy. I get the sense of a particular world where an artist takes the time and care to fit and measure and adjust something until it is perfect. I imagine Leyendecker, brush in hand, carefully building up the layers of paint, adjusting the light and shadow. Notice how the characters' postures suggest the weight of time and tradition in this art of tailoring. It’s a profession, a craft, and a history all rolled into one. He's speaking to all those who labor with love to create something that fits just right.