Wall Cupboard 1935 - 1942

Samuel W. Ford rendered this wall cupboard in watercolor and graphite, achieving a remarkable level of detail. The brown hues and delicate gradations give the piece a warmth and depth that feels incredibly tactile. Focusing on the door, you can see an almost ghostly carving of an eagle or perhaps a phoenix, rendered in a lighter tone as though bleached into the wood. This area is fascinating because it highlights the artist's commitment to portraying the effects of time and wear on a physical object. You can almost feel the hand of the craftsman who originally carved the cupboard, and sense the layers of history embedded in its surface. It makes me think of Charles Burchfield, who was also interested in depicting vernacular architecture. Like Burchfield, Ford seems to be saying something about the enduring power of everyday objects, their ability to carry memories and tell stories across generations. Isn't it amazing how a simple rendering of a cupboard can evoke such complex ideas about history, memory, and the passage of time?