Waistcoat c. 1937

Marie Mitchell, born in 1855, created this watercolour and graphite rendering of a waistcoat. This image provides us with an interesting insight into gendered identity and historical context. Waistcoats in this era were primarily worn by men as part of formal attire, and signified status and belonging within a certain social class. As a woman artist, Mitchell’s attention to this garment may reflect her engagement with, or perhaps a critical view of, the sartorial codes that defined masculinity and social hierarchy. The precision and detail of her rendering suggests an intimate familiarity with the waistcoat’s construction and design. Moreover, Mitchell’s work could be interpreted as an exploration of how clothing shapes and reflects societal expectations. It invites us to reflect on the ways in which garments mediate our identities and experiences, and how artistic representation can challenge or reinforce these dynamics.