Embroidered Linen Collar 1935 - 1942

Grace Halpin created this Embroidered Linen Collar design on paper with graphite and white gouache. Born in 1855, Halpin lived in a society that often confined women to domestic roles. Her art reflects the cultural emphasis on women's needlework, but she transforms the craft into a form of artistic expression. The floral patterns delicately embroidered on the linen speak to the historical context of women's crafts. The act of embroidery can be viewed as a quiet rebellion against the limited roles assigned to women. Each stitch could symbolize a woman's personal narrative, her dreams, and her frustrations. Halpin’s work exists within a broader history of women using textiles as a medium to express themselves. In this light, Halpin’s Embroidered Linen Collar transcends its function as a mere garment accessory. It becomes a canvas for personal expression. It is a testament to the quiet yet powerful ways women have historically used art to carve out space for themselves.