Spur 1935 - 1942

Curator: Here we have Eldon Allen's "Spur," a watercolor and drawing created sometime between 1935 and 1942. The artist focused his attention on depicting a spur; what strikes you most about its presentation? Editor: Its simplicity, surprisingly! Just a lone object rendered with such meticulous detail on a plain ground. It calls attention to the craftsmanship, but I would have thought the artist would provide it with more visual context. Curator: I agree that the absence of background throws our attention to its materiality and its geometric qualities. Consider how the concentric circles, the radiating spikes, the textured bands... they all combine to create this intricate structure. Editor: Speaking of context, spurs, of course, are instruments of control, influencing a horse's movement. Was there something happening culturally at the time of its making which contributed to the popularity of artworks displaying implements and mechanisms? Curator: Absolutely. During this period the United States saw Westerns thrive. While Eldon Allen isn't particularly focused on conveying narrative, this image may speak to America's cultural fascination with ideas such as mastery, technology, and, as you mention, control. Notice too, the romantic heart adorning part of its body. Editor: It certainly injects an intriguing level of symbolism into what might otherwise be considered cold, harsh hardware. I wonder, was Allen questioning the narratives surrounding western masculinity? Curator: It is difficult to infer such intent based on this picture alone. Still, your interpretation is definitely supported by the composition's delicate tension. The artwork, in other words, invites multiple perspectives. Editor: In any case, focusing solely on the isolated form elevates the subject, transforming an ordinary, everyday item into an object worthy of attention. Thank you. Curator: A fresh perspective, indeed. Thank you for shedding light on how Allen, through his artistic representation, redefines both the function and the context of the cowboy spur.