Purse 1935 - 1942

Editor: This watercolor and pencil drawing, simply titled "Purse," was created by Gladys Cook sometime between 1935 and 1942. It’s quite charming, almost delicate with its pastel colors. What strikes you most when you look at it? Curator: What jumps out is the socio-economic context implied. The 1930s were a period of economic hardship, particularly for women. While it depicts a 'luxury' item, it's rendered in a seemingly humble medium: watercolor on toned paper. Does this suggest a yearning for upward mobility? What narratives can we build by studying such a seemingly benign illustration of an object? Editor: That's a really interesting point, the yearning for upward mobility. It makes me think about accessibility to art, too. Was Gladys Cook trying to make fashion more accessible through her art, perhaps? Curator: Absolutely! And how does this intersect with ideas of femininity and domesticity in that era? The purse, after all, is a very gendered object. What items would she carry inside? What did it signify about her place in society? We also need to think about the artist’s perspective. Was she part of the feminist movement for economic enfranchisement during the Great Depression? How did that period’s historical setting frame how women perceived objects and societal roles? Editor: I never considered all those layers. I guess there's more to a purse than meets the eye, especially as a cultural symbol and piece of art. Thanks, this really opened my eyes! Curator: Indeed. Analyzing such imagery allows us to unpack larger issues of gender, class, and desire that permeate both art and everyday life. Examining our perceptions helps refine our ability to critique and create meaning.