Bride's Bureau c. 1936

Kurt Melzer made this rendering of a “Bride’s Bureau” sometime in the 20th century, we don't know exactly when, using pencil and watercolor on paper. It's interesting how Melzer combines a realistic representation with a technical drawing. The watercolor is really delicate, a very thin wash that allows the texture of the paper to come through. You can see the grain of the wood suggested by the subtle variations in tone. And next to the main image are these super-precise line drawings of the side and top, with measurements. The whole thing is so meticulous. It feels like an architect showing off a design, but it’s also like a portrait of an object. I love the way he’s captured the reflected light in the mirror, just a hint of blue, suggesting something beyond the room. I’m thinking about how the Shakers made furniture, where everything was functional and beautiful. It makes me think of Agnes Martin who started as a furniture designer. There's always an exchange of ideas, even across time. Isn't that what art’s all about? It’s always ambiguous, never fixed.