Cobbler's Table with Candle Stand c. 1936

Ella Josephine Sterling created this watercolor rendering of a Cobbler's Table with Candle Stand. Sterling was active during a time of shifting gender roles, and as an artist, she occupied a space where women were gaining prominence in the arts. Here, Sterling meticulously captured the texture of the wood and the form of this utilitarian object. The table, with its three legs, embodies a sense of balance and sturdiness. But this is more than just a rendering; it is an engagement with the everyday life of labor. Think about the cobbler, a tradesperson of modest means. The candle stand speaks volumes about the conditions in which labor was performed. The singular light source casts long shadows and speaks to the patience and precision required to practice this craft. This image invites us to reflect on the intersection of labor, gender, and artistic representation, revealing the intimate connection between the artist and the world she observed.