Purse c. 1936

Melita Hofmann made this watercolour purse design at an unknown date. This drawing gives us a glimpse into the world of design and craft, reflecting the socio-economic context in which it was produced. In early twentieth-century Europe, there was growing interest in applied arts, where artists moved away from easel painting and embraced decoration and design. The purse, with its delicate floral embroidery, embodies ideals of femininity and domesticity. It is quite possible this design was produced for an institution such as the Wiener Werkstätte, which employed female artists who made similar crafts. We might consider how this form of art gave women creative expression, while at the same time reinforcing traditional gender roles. By studying the history of design and craft, we can gain insight into cultural values, social structures, and institutional histories. To understand this artwork better, we might consult primary sources like design catalogues, magazines, and archival records, which can offer clues about Hofmann and the cultural context for the design.