Fire Marshall Trumpet c. 1939

Thomas Dooley made this watercolor of a “Fire Marshall Trumpet” in 1939. The image shows an object whose use is primarily utilitarian, yet is presented in a manner usually reserved for fine art. The trumpet is meticulously rendered, with careful attention to the reflective qualities of the metal, as well as the texture of the rope and tassels. There is incredible refinement and delicacy in the work. Dooley prompts us to think about the amount of skilled labor that goes into what might otherwise be dismissed as a functional object. The trumpet is elevated, and in doing so, invites the viewer to reconsider the value and artistry embedded within the wider world of material culture. Dooley's choice of medium is also significant. Watercolor, typically associated with landscape painting, underscores the intention to see artistry in the everyday. This pushes the boundaries of traditional art history and challenges distinctions between ‘high’ art and craft.