Spur and Rowel 1935 - 1942

Editor: We’re looking at "Spur and Rowel" by Rose Campbell-Gerke, made sometime between 1935 and 1942. It's a watercolor drawing, and what strikes me is the almost photographic detail. It’s just… a spur. What do you see in it? Curator: Let's focus on its formal qualities. Observe how Campbell-Gerke meticulously renders the textures: the smooth metal against the tooled leather. The artist's masterful use of light creates subtle gradations, defining the object's form, imbuing it with a sense of volume and presence. Do you notice the balance created by the radial symmetry of the spur? Editor: Yes, the radiating points really catch your eye. I guess I was too caught up in the everyday nature of the object to appreciate that. So, the appeal is really in the… geometry? Curator: Precisely! And beyond. Consider the meticulous detail of the engraving; it demonstrates a high degree of technical skill, elevated by this somewhat plain presentation. The juxtaposition of such detail and the clean background underscores the artistry involved in depicting even utilitarian objects. Notice also the almost muted color palette, enhancing the texture and form, not distracting from it. Editor: I see what you mean about the balance between the ornate detail and the starkness of the presentation. I was thinking about it as just a functional object, but now it feels elevated. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, by studying its lines and construction, it invites us to consider the underlying aesthetics of function. Perhaps we have now examined something we have never understood so well.