Buckskin Shirt and Leggings 1935 - 1942

This drawing of buckskin clothing was made with colored pencils by an anonymous artist. The shirt and leggings are laid flat, like specimens pinned for display. What strikes me is the tenderness in the depiction. The clothing is rendered with such delicate strokes and soft color, it feels almost reverent. Look at how the artist uses color to suggest texture. The yellow ochre of the shirt’s yoke and the leggings contrasts with the white of the hide. See those blue and pink details? They give the objects depth and dimension. The wispy lines of the fringe are especially lovely. Each stroke is light and airy, as if the artist wanted to capture the way these garments move and breathe. I'm reminded of Agnes Martin, who also used subtle color and delicate lines to evoke a sense of quiet contemplation. It’s a simple drawing, but it speaks volumes about the beauty and craftsmanship of these garments, and the care with which they were made.