Shaker Drop-leaf Table c. 1936

Ray Holden made this Shaker Drop-leaf Table, using pencil and watercolor. Holden has deftly captured the material essence of Shaker furniture, which prioritized utility and craftsmanship over ornamentation. You can see the smooth surfaces and clean lines in the table, reflecting the Shaker commitment to simplicity and functionality. The table's drop-leaf design, rendered with precision, speaks to the Shakers’ efficient use of space and resources. Holden was part of the Index of American Design, a WPA program, which sought to document and preserve examples of American material culture. In many ways, it blurred the boundaries between art, craft, and design. By focusing on its construction and purpose, Holden highlights the cultural and historical significance of vernacular objects. He invites us to appreciate the beauty and ingenuity found in everyday items and the social values they embody.