Chest of Drawers c. 1939

Lorenz Rothkranz made this Chest of Drawers, we don't know when, but look at how the piece revels in the process of artmaking. It shows us how much effort, time, and care have gone into crafting this piece. There's something deeply satisfying about the texture of the wood, you can almost feel the smooth grain beneath your fingertips. The artist has been so attentive in capturing every detail and the way the colors subtly shift and change across the surface. The subtle changes in tone across each drawer create a rhythm, like a visual melody, and your eye can’t help but dance along the curves. Notice the way Rothkranz has depicted the hardware, the handles are rendered with care, capturing the way they catch the light. It reminds me of a drawing by Alex Katz, who also has a deep interest in the beauty of the everyday. The painting invites us to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. I like that.