Child's Dress c. 1937

Marie Mitchell rendered this child’s dress with watercolor and graphite on paper. Consider the labor that goes into adorning a child. It involves meticulous stitching, delicate embroidery, and careful attention to detail. Here, the rendering of the fabric with its pattern speaks to the labor-intensive processes inherent in textile production. The evenness of the patterns and precision in the lines suggest the precision involved. Note the choices of embellishment which further highlight the artistry involved. Mitchell’s choice of watercolor as a medium gives a sense of vibrancy and texture to the design. It evokes the qualities of fabric, and even makes you think of the feel of the cloth against the skin, or the gentle sway of the garment as the child moves. In appreciating this artwork, it is important to think about the craft and skill involved in textile design. By recognizing these qualities, we expand our understanding of the artwork, and challenge conventional notions of art and craft.