Carousel Horse 1935 - 1942

Here we see a Carousel Horse, rendered in watercolor on paper by an anonymous artist. The careful application of pigment brings form to the figure, which has soft edges with the color gently blending across the surface of the horse's body. Look closely, and you can see subtle variations in tone that bring volume and depth to the form. The steely blue hair, with its feathery texture and carefully gradated color, contrasts with the light gray body, and gives the horse a real sense of character. I am especially drawn to how the artist handled the tail, building up the color in short, textured strokes which appear almost three dimensional. The horse has a classical, almost academic feel, but this is juxtaposed with the everyday fairground attraction, something anyone can enjoy. It reminds me of Red Grooms with its fun fairground aesthetic, but it's more subtly executed. The charm lies in the gentle, understated palette, a delicate balance of reality and whimsy.