Dress c. 1941

Margaret Golden made this drawing of a dress, likely in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century. It captures not just the garment itself but also a sense of the social norms and aesthetic values that shaped women's fashion at the time. The dress reflects the cultural emphasis on modesty and restraint that characterized this era in both the United States and Europe. Its long sleeves, high neckline with frilled white collar, and floor-length skirt align with the Victorian ideals of feminine virtue and domesticity. The inclusion of fabric samples and a sketch suggest this drawing may have been a design proposal or record, reflecting the growing commercialization of fashion and the increasing availability of ready-to-wear clothing. To fully appreciate the meaning of this drawing, scholars consult fashion history resources, social commentaries, and other visual materials, offering insight into the complex interplay between clothing, identity, and social expectations during the artist’s lifetime.