Carved Casing c. 1938

This architectural rendering of a carved casing of a fireplace is made with graphite and watercolour on paper by Hans Mangelsdorf. I can almost feel the artist bending over the paper, working out all the details, measuring, and adjusting lines. What was he thinking as he drew the lines of this elegant fireplace? Was it commissioned or was it a private affair? I imagine him being very careful in depicting the texture of wood, brick and ornamentation. Look at how he uses thin layers of watercolor to create depth and shadow, adding to the texture. Notice the sharp orthogonal lines that frame the fireplace. Mangelsdorf had a clear vision of what he wanted to create, as if he wanted to capture not only the object itself, but also the mood and the potential for a cosy gathering. Artists are always in dialogue, riffing off each other. It's as if Mangelsdorf is conversing with other artists through the language of form and style, creating a place for warmth, reflection, and connection.