65: DOROTHY BARTHOLEMY (1914-2005) WITCHES IN BRITCHES 1944

Dorothy Bartholemy (1914-2005)
Witches in Britches (1944)
The vibrant, expressive composition of marching women in 'britches' humorously satirizes the outcry around women wearing pants in public prior to the mid 20th century. The work is signed and dated lower right front and inscribed verso.

Interestingly, this work was painted just six years after a woman was arrested for wearing trousers in a Texas courtroom. Five years after that Texas incident, 'Rosie the Riveter' appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post in bib overall blue jeans, evidence of the major societal changes brought on by WWII.

Born in Illinois, Dorothy Bartholemy was a St. Louis-based artist and designer. After working in clothing design, she studied at the Washington University School of Fine Arts, where in 1937 she was awarded the J. T. Milliken Scholarship for travel and study in Europe. She spent the next seven months visiting the major art centers of Europe. Around 1941, she joined the Washington University faculty as an instructor in design. Dorothy Bartholemy was an active member of the St. Louis Artists Guild, exhibiting regularly and earning multiple awards and honorable mentions for her paintings in both color and sketches black-and-white media. She was also a frequent exhibitor in the annual Missouri shows at the City Art Museum in St. Louis.

Ms. Bartholomew, née O'Brien, herself a seamstress, had strong interest in fashion and textiles as is evidenced by the styles, patterns and colors she depicts here in exuberant and somewhat playful brushwork. Her style manages to drive home the determination of these 'witches' to stay in pants even after the war. She does so without being mean or angry.

Interestingly, Merriam-Webster defines a 'witch' with several meanings, including 'a woman believed to possess supernatural powers, often harmful, and to practice sorcery or enchantment.'
Board measures 24 x 30 with a framed size of 28H x 34.25W inches.
Very good untouched condition. There are no issues of scratches, losses, repairs, in-painting or touch-up to any degree.
$2,000 - $4,000