Moravian Hinge c. 1939

Franklin Syres made this drawing of a Moravian Hinge, likely in the 20th century, and he used what looks like watercolour to do it. I love the raw simplicity here, the way the brown pigment spreads on the page, forming this symmetrical design that hints at a ram's head or perhaps some other strange beast. The texture is almost palpable; you can sense the rough, aged feel of the metal. Syres's rendering gives real weight to what otherwise might seem a purely functional object. The color choice is very earthy, a muted palette that speaks to the hinge’s history and the natural processes of decay. Look closely at how Syres detailed the small holes, and the subtle variations in tone, which suggest both age and the hand of the craftsman who originally made the hinge. This reminds me a little of the work of Charles Burchfield, with its interest in vernacular architecture and the beauty of ordinary things. Art isn't just about grand statements; it's also about noticing the quiet poetry in the everyday.