Sofa c. 1937

This drawing of a sofa was made by Bernard Gussow, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. The medium is watercolor and graphite on paper. Look closely, and you can see how the drawing emphasizes the texture of the textile, and the ornateness of the carved wooden frame. These were created to communicate the high-end quality of the piece to potential buyers. But consider the labor involved in manufacturing a sofa like this. The frame would have been shaped by a skilled woodworker. The textile may have been woven on a mechanized Jacquard loom, but still required oversight and finishing. And an upholsterer would have been needed to bring all the elements together. Drawings like this one help us to remember that furniture is never just "design." It is the product of many hands, and a great deal of work. Paying attention to the making of things helps us to see their social and cultural value, beyond mere aesthetics.