Woman's Buckle c. 1936

Charles Criswell produced this watercolor and graphite drawing of a Woman's Buckle, sometime between his birth in 1855 and death in 1995. Although seemingly modest, this image offers insights into the gendered social codes of dress and decoration in the United States. Buckles like these functioned not merely as fasteners but as signifiers of status and taste, reflecting prevailing aesthetic values that women were expected to uphold. The craftsmanship and materials used in such accessories communicated messages about the wearer's social standing and adherence to cultural norms. This drawing invites reflection on the history of fashion as a site of social regulation. Historians might examine fashion plates, advertisements, and etiquette manuals of the period to further understand the cultural significance attributed to such items. By studying these artifacts, we gain insight into the intricate ways in which personal adornment and social structure are interconnected.