Mirror Stand 1940

Curator: Looking at this work from 1940, entitled "Mirror Stand," it gives me an odd sense of peace, a very quiet sense of home and utility. Editor: Well, my first thought goes to materials. The grain of the wood is lovingly depicted, suggesting fine craftsmanship and a level of access to resources not necessarily available to everyone at the time. And, the castors—the very image speaks of domesticity for me! Curator: Indeed, domesticity. Consider the image on the drawer: it resembles a stylized scallop shell or fan. Think about the Renaissance use of that very symbol, alluding to Venus, to birth, to beauty, and, of course, mirrors reflect vanity! Is this not a tongue-in-cheek comment on our vanities during a difficult time? Editor: Perhaps, or perhaps the symbol reflects the era's focus on functional design. While art deco was waning, streamlining and pared-down ornamentation still lingered. It would be nice to examine what types of tools were required to build a table like this. A furniture maker had a lot more freedom when they weren’t stuck turning out the same war material day after day. Curator: I see your point. However, the fact it’s a stand for a mirror—an object of reflection and self-regard, in times of scarcity makes it feel more resonant and meaningful. A comment on identity in wartime? Editor: Interesting perspective, although, let’s remember how scarce labor also was! Creating decorative furniture still required highly skilled workers during wartime. If we look at its origins we will be able to understand which class/gender this piece addresses. Curator: Thank you! Thinking through it like this has broadened my perspective. This Mirror Stand could, perhaps, represent an assertion of artistry through utility as much as a simple representation. Editor: Precisely. Seeing it as an artifact shaped by material constraints and human agency reveals the rich intersections of craft, culture, and societal circumstances of the time.