Dolman c. 1936

Marie Mitchell created this watercolour drawing of a dolman, an over garment, sometime during her lifetime, between 1855 and 1995. The drawing presents a study in contrasts. The muted green of the dolman dominates the composition, its somber tone offset by the bright yellow lining peeking out from within the sleeves and front opening. The artist’s concentration on texture is evident in the meticulous rendering of the dolman’s trim. Look closely at the delicate, repetitive patterns that create a tactile richness, juxtaposed against the smooth washes of colour. Mitchell provides a semiotic key to understanding the values and codes of fashion through her careful observation and formal rendering. The drawing can be interpreted not just as a design study but as an exploration into the cultural meanings embedded in clothing. It challenges our perception of fashion illustration, inviting reflection on how design conveys status. Fashion itself functions as a language.