Shaker Glove 1935 - 1942

Elizabeth Moutal made this watercolor and graphite drawing of a Shaker Glove. The Shakers were a religious community that migrated from England to the United States in the late 18th century, their values of simplicity, utility, and communal living are deeply entwined with their material culture. This glove, rendered with careful attention to texture and form, exemplifies the Shaker commitment to craftsmanship. The drawing is more than a mere depiction of an object, it serves as a document that preserves the legacy of Shaker craftsmanship for future generations. Moutal’s drawing prompts questions about the relationship between art, labor, and spirituality within the Shaker community. What role did such objects play in the daily lives of the Shakers? How did their production contribute to the community's self-sufficiency and spiritual identity? Historians consult archives, material culture studies, and religious studies to find a deeper understanding of this image and its context. The drawing is evidence of a culture that challenged the norms of its time through its commitment to equality, pacifism, and sustainable living.