Boy's Suit c. 1940

Nancy Crimi made this watercolor of a Boy's Suit sometime between 1855 and 1995. It's a meticulously rendered drawing, and its subject matter makes one wonder about clothing and the role it plays in identity formation. The suit closely resembles military uniforms of the 19th century, complete with rows of decorative frogging and a stiff, formal cut. The garment evokes notions of discipline, order, and perhaps even a romanticized view of warfare. Consider the implications of dressing a young boy in such a manner. What does it say about the values instilled in children? Is it a projection of parental aspirations, or a reflection of broader societal expectations? To understand this image fully, we would need to research the history of children's fashion, military symbolism, and the social codes embedded in clothing during the 19th and 20th centuries. The social and institutional context in which art is made is crucial in determining its meaning, don't you think?