Pelerine 1935 - 1942

This drawing shows a Pelerine made by Virginia Berge. The soft sheen and gentle drape of the depicted silk fabric would have been highly prized, speaking to a culture where skilled needlework and quality materials were valued. The drawn pelerine presents the intricate embroidery, and delicate trim which would have required hours of labor, underscoring the effort and expertise involved in its creation. It is important to consider the social context in which the object was produced. Berge's focus on such details and material speaks to the relationship between craft, labor, and social status. By drawing this garment, Berge engages with a culture of visuality that existed around craft and fashion, particularly the way design was shared and circulated. In doing so, she elevates the status of this hand-made garment. This invites us to reconsider the hierarchies between art, craft and labor.