Medicine Cabinet c. 1939

Here is a watercolor and graphite rendering of a medicine cabinet, created by Mattie P. Goodman, who was born in 1855. Goodman was active during a transformative period in American history, witnessing both the Reconstruction era and the rise of industrialization. As a woman artist, Goodman navigated a complex social landscape that often marginalized women's contributions to the arts. Consider the role of domesticity in the 19th century. The medicine cabinet, typically placed in a private space, became a site of both healing and personal care. The design, with its neat compartments and drawers, reflects a sense of order and control within the home. Goodman's choice to depict this object invites us to reflect on the emotional and social significance of these spaces in women’s lives.