Silk Waist c. 1940

Fred Hassebrock’s drawing, “Silk Waist,” presents a detailed image of a garment rendered in graphite or a similar medium on paper. The drawing emphasizes tonal variations to capture the texture and form of the silk. The composition centers on the waist, its curves and contours meticulously outlined. This formal construction draws our attention to the material qualities of the silk—its sheen and drape are evoked through careful shading and highlighting. The artist meticulously details the buttons and seams, adding layers of visual complexity. Hassebrock destabilizes conventional portraiture by focusing on an object rather than a person. The waist becomes a signifier of fashion, labor, and perhaps, identity, inviting us to consider the social and cultural implications of clothing. Ultimately, the artwork’s power lies in its ability to elevate the mundane to the level of art. It prompts us to reconsider our relationship with the objects that shape our everyday experiences.