Leather Purse Top c. 1940

This is Lyman Young's watercolor painting, "Leather Purse Top." While undated, Young, who lived between 1855 and 1931, worked during a time when the decorative arts were flourishing, particularly in relation to women's fashion and accessories. It is important to note that in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a leather purse was more than a simple accessory; it was a statement of identity, class, and taste. The painting offers a detailed look at the craftsmanship and design elements that were so prized during this period. The floral motifs and the attention to detail speak to a broader cultural interest in ornamentation and the aesthetic elevation of everyday objects. Consider the original owner of such a purse, likely a woman navigating the societal expectations of her time. What did it mean to carry such an object? This image invites us to reflect on the intersection of fashion, identity, and material culture.