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Clutch

1940–59
Not on view
During World War II, women on the home front wore red, white and blue garments as a means of showing support for the troops and the nation at war, but this jaunty clutch makes an even more obvious statement. A woman carrying this bag proudly advertised her patriotic sentiments. Probably a novelty item, the bag is comprised of a surprising and creative combination of materials -- straw, felt and plastic -- assembled to create a vivid symbol of American pride. The flag itself, which covers the entire oversized flap, has only forty-eight stars, an indication that the bag was made prior to 1959, when Alaska became the forty-ninth state.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Clutch
  • Date: 1940–59
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: wool, straw, plastic
  • Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. Hollis K. Thayer, 1958
  • Object Number: 2009.300.2454a, b
  • Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

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