Cradle 1935 - 1942

This early twentieth-century drawing by George V. Vezolles depicts a wooden cradle. It is rendered with a straightforward, unadorned realism. Note the craft involved in its construction, as well as the work that goes into its creation. The cradle's components would have been shaped from raw lumber, planed, and carefully assembled. The surfaces are plain, but the gentle curve of the rockers and the pierced hearts in the headboard and footboard are signs of skilled handcraft. The intention here is to create a safe and comforting haven for a child, while also reflecting the love and care of the maker. The modest design and careful execution speaks to the values of domesticity, family and perhaps a maker's pride in their work. The image invites us to consider the skilled labor that goes into creating objects of comfort and care. By looking closely at the materials and making of this cradle, we can appreciate the value of both craft and design.