Horse Weather Vane 1939

Editor: So this is "Horse Weather Vane," drawn by Robert Barton in 1939. It appears to be a watercolor drawing, depicting a somewhat weathered horse weathervane. There’s a stillness to it that I find interesting. What's your take? What do you see when you look at this drawing? Curator: Oh, I’m immediately transported back to simpler times! I see that weathered wood and imagine the winds that it has resisted! Think of it—each shift captured by this humble horse is a tale whispered by the breeze. Perhaps it creaked, each rotation, a mournful poetry against the farmscape. Did Barton intend to immortalize not just the object, but the sound of the wind’s yearning? What is that one sound that would teleport you back to childhood? Editor: Wow, I hadn't considered the sounds! I was so focused on the visual simplicity and the sort of aged aesthetic. I love the thought that this static image represents dynamic weather, or a whole history. How do you feel the artist captured its essence through, for instance, the choice of color, or composition? Curator: Notice how Barton embraces the imperfections - the wear and tear. It’s not merely illustrative, but emotive. The muted tones reflect the weathering. This allows me to reflect that this object had another life. Is that something Barton knew while executing this sketch? I like the questions about what it is that makes him draw *this* rather than *that.* What’s your take now that you know all this? Editor: I get a deeper sense of its story! Before, I was just appreciating the visual aspect but now, your poetic ideas give more meaning behind the work. Thanks for sharing all that. Curator: My pleasure! Isn’t it amazing how a simple drawing can open up such expansive dialogues?