Blouse Gallery

Blouse made from a silk escape map, 1940s. Creator: Unknown

Blouse made from a silk escape map, 1940s. During World War II many materials were unavailable to the public because of government rationing. This blouse is an inovative example of a woman repurposing the silk escape maps that her husband used while flying combat in Europe. Women's long-sleeve button-front spread-collar blouse (shirt) constructed from World War II U.S. Army Air Forces silk fabric escape and evasion maps of western Europe; left breast patch pocket; four plastic buttons down front; single button sleeve cuffs

© Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Carte-de-visite portrait of Harriet Tubman, 1868-1869. Creator: Benjamin F. Powelson

African-American anti-slavery activist Harriet Tubman (c1820-1913) was born into slavery in Maryland. She escaped in 1849, became a leading Abolitionist and was active as a conductor in the Underground Railroad, the network which helped escaped slaves to reach safety. She is positioned slightly turned to the right and gazes off camera. Her right hand rests on the back of a wooden chair and her left hand rests in her lap. A patterned carpet covers the floor and the wall or drop behind her is a blank light color. Tubman wears a black bodice that buttons at the center front and has dropped sleeves with heavy ruching and ruffled details on the sleeves. There is a panel of lighter fabric around the yoke, with the upper neck the same dark color as the body of the bodice. A white lace collar with short tails is crossed and pinned at the front of her neck. Her hair is parted at the center and gathered at the nape of her neck. Tubman's full skirt is made from a light and dark patterned gingham check. It drapes slightly on the floor and hides her feet completely. The text "Harriet Tubman" is handwritten in graphite across the bottom of her skirt. The print is mounted on card stock and a double-lined red border is printed around the front edges of the card framing the print

© Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Flora, ca. 1654. Creator: Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn

Flora, ca. 1654. Based in part on a portrait of the artist's deceased wife, Saskia

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