Shaker Newel Post c. 1937

Anne Ger created this drawing titled ‘Shaker Newel Post’. It uses shades of browns to capture the essence of Shaker design. The drawing immediately presents us with a study in simple geometric forms – the cylindrical banisters, the cubic newel post, and the receding planes of the stairs. These shapes, rendered in muted browns, evoke a sense of quiet utility and the understated elegance characteristic of Shaker aesthetics. Ger’s choice of perspective emphasizes the functional aspect of the staircase, inviting the viewer to ascend. It is as if the composition itself embodies the Shaker values of order and purpose. The simplicity of the forms underscores a deeper philosophical commitment to purity. Shaker design eschews ornamentation in favor of functional clarity. The drawing reflects the Shakers’ belief that beauty resides in utility. The artwork's emphasis on geometric shapes and unadorned surfaces provides a visual metaphor for the Shaker community’s rejection of excess and embrace of communal living. Ultimately, this drawing encourages us to reconsider the beauty inherent in simplicity and the enduring power of functional design.