Side Chair (one of four) c. 1937

This drawing of a chair was made by Bernard Gussow, and it's one of a set of four. The palette is muted, almost hushed, with the pinks and browns creating a sense of antique charm, but it's the details, like the tiny castors on the feet that make this piece. The texture of the chair, especially the upholstered parts, looks soft, like velvet you would want to reach out and touch. Gussow's lines are delicate, precise, suggesting the ornate carvings of the wooden frame without getting fussy. The whole piece feels like a loving observation, a record of something cherished. See how the light catches the curves of the chair's back? It reminds me a little of Fairfield Porter, who also found beauty in everyday scenes. This drawing isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about finding elegance in the mundane. Art is such an ongoing conversation, isn't it?