Carved Stone Urn 1935 - 1942

Clyde L. Cheney made this drawing of a carved stone urn, but its exact date is unknown. This detailed rendering allows us to explore Cheney's role in shaping artistic tastes through design. Notice how the urn is adorned with grapevines, a classical motif evoking themes of abundance and celebration. This connects the object to a tradition of garden ornaments found in affluent homes. Cheney's urn drawing speaks to an interest in embellishing domestic spaces, mirroring the values of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the Arts and Crafts movement emphasized handcrafted beauty for everyday life. This image provides valuable insights into Cheney's design process and how his work reflects broader trends in American decorative arts. By examining records from design schools, trade publications, and historical societies, we gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural contexts surrounding Cheney’s contribution to American design.