Settle-table c. 1940

Here we have Harry Eisman's drawing of a settle-table, immortalized through graphite and watercolor. At first glance, it appears as a mere piece of furniture, but this seemingly humble object whispers of a rich cultural lineage. The settle-table is a symbol of communal life and domestic industry. Think of the Last Supper, and the table around which Christ and his apostles gathered for a final meal. From medieval refectories to Renaissance banquets and humble abodes, tables have always been a place for connection, and sustenance, both physical and spiritual. The table that flips from upright position to horizontal reminds me of the cyclical nature of life, and it serves as a metaphor for the transformations that occur in our lives. In the context of cultural memory, the table is not just a functional object, but a stage upon which human dramas unfold. Its continuous appearance across time and cultures suggests its profound emotional resonance.