Door Latch c. 1939

Fritz Boehmer created this watercolor painting called "Door Latch." Consider the context of the early 20th century, a period defined by industrialization. Boehmer's choice to isolate and depict a functional object asks us to reconsider the value and beauty of everyday items. The door latch, often overlooked, becomes a focal point, inviting contemplation on the themes of access and restriction. It represents both the possibility of entering a space, but also of being kept out. Think about who controls the opening and closing of doors, reflecting on how issues of power and social status are embedded in the architecture around us. Boehmer prompts us to meditate on the boundaries we create. He asks, who is on the inside and who is left knocking?