Harp c. 1939

Grace Thomas made this watercolour painting of a harp sometime in the 20th Century; it’s all about observation, I think. She really took her time here. There’s something meticulous in the way she’s rendered the wood grain. The harp’s surface is brought to life through soft washes and precise details, like the tiny stars and dots carved into the wood. Look at the swirling patterns at the top – they’re almost edible! The texture is palpable. The overall feeling is gentle, a bit faded like an old memory. I love the way she captured light and shadow, turning a simple object into something almost monumental. It reminds me of Agnes Martin's quiet intensity or maybe even some of Giorgio Morandi's still life paintings, where everyday objects become profound through careful observation and repetition. It’s the kind of piece that keeps whispering new things the longer you look.