Brooch 1939

Editor: So, this is "Brooch," a 1939 watercolor and drawing by Dorothy Dwin. It's delicate, almost like a faded memory, a whispered story. The gold tones are gorgeous. What stands out to you? Curator: Oh, Dorothy, Dorothy! It sings of a yearning, doesn't it? The delicate washes suggest not just the brooch itself, but perhaps a longing for adornment, for beauty in a world heading toward darkness. You know, looking at this now I am thinking about my Grandmother and her beautiful collection of brooches... I wonder if this image was just that? A rendering, but also a reflection on memories of her family treasures. What do you see? Editor: A reflection...that’s a really lovely way to put it. I do think the way the jewel just floats in the blank space contributes to this sense. Curator: The negative space! Absolutely. It's like the jewel is suspended in time, waiting to be fastened to a lapel, brought back into use, back into life. A life, I imagine, that Dwin may have treasured. And that decorative art style – is there something almost hopeful about focusing on these small joys? Editor: Absolutely! Even when facing difficult times, humanity turns to art for connection. Curator: Indeed! A reminder that even in the face of turmoil, beauty persists, rendered in watercolor on a page!