Shift c. 1936

Rosalia Lane made this drawing, titled 'Shift,' using graphite on paper. The subject matter—a loose-fitting garment with delicate lace detailing—speaks volumes about the intersection of craft, design, and social context. The shift, traditionally worn as an undergarment, hints at intimacy and domesticity. Lane’s choice of graphite, a humble material, contrasts with the refined elegance suggested by the lace. Consider how the artist’s hand meticulously renders the soft fabric and intricate trim, emphasizing the labor involved in both its creation and depiction. Lane invites us to consider the unseen work of women, historically relegated to the domestic sphere, whose skill and dedication were often undervalued. By elevating this everyday object to a work of art, Lane challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, prompting us to recognize the beauty and significance in the ordinary.