Watch Key c. 1938

Harry Grossen made this watercolor of a watch key, and at first it looks so simple, right? But then you realize the delicacy involved, and it starts to feel very intimate. I imagine Grossen there, in his studio, hunched over this tiny object, trying to capture every little detail in the form. The light would have been shining off the metal. He must have felt like he was performing surgery, carefully applying these washes of golden brown with the finest brush. What I love about this kind of study is how the artist is completely absorbed in the object before them, and somehow, their love and attention gets transferred to us. Think of all the still life painters, of Giorgio Morandi, for example. They’re all in this ongoing conversation across time. Looking at this little key, I start to dream of unlocking new ways of seeing.