Beaded Handbag c. 1938

Editor: This is a watercolor illustration of a Beaded Handbag, dating from around 1938 and believed to be by Ray Price. It's incredible to think of the level of detail achieved with ink, watercolor and drawing, but I keep wondering why depict such an everyday object? What are your thoughts about it? Curator: It’s easy to dismiss objects like this, isn't it? However, representing a "Beaded Handbag" through watercolor, ink and drawing elevate the status of functional objects during an era undergoing significant transformation. Editor: How so? Curator: Consider the context of the 1930s. The decorative arts had to adapt after the depression; this is around the time when industries aimed at consumers revived themselves. Luxury, once deemed vulgar after the crash, became more visible. Why illustrate an expensive handbag rather than any other? Editor: So, it's tied to cultural and economic shifts in society, reflecting the intersection of art, commerce and gender through such decorative art forms. That really changes my view of this artwork! Curator: Precisely. This period saw many department stores encouraging fine artists to produce marketing pieces to associate art with ordinary products. The purpose of an object changes, and this sort of commercial imagery served new functions. Editor: I’m beginning to appreciate that this object offers insight into a much larger social landscape than one might assume! Thanks! Curator: Indeed, by delving into the history of artistic patronage, production and the target consumers, such pieces open new pathways for considering art’s social relevance.