Toy Chair c. 1936

Edith Magnette made this "Toy Chair" using graphite and watercolor. The drawing shows the material qualities of a handmade chair. The woven seat uses natural fibers, plaited and layered into a supportive surface. The wooden frame exhibits soft pinks and hand-painted embellishments. These decorative touches on the crest and rail of the chair speak to folk art traditions and the aesthetic preferences of its maker, perhaps influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement of the time. The drawing itself is a kind of labor, each line and wash of color a deliberate act of transcription. The chair may be a toy but, through the drawing, Magnette elevates a humble, handmade object to the realm of fine art. This forces us to consider the value and artistry inherent in everyday items. The act of drawing, in this case, bridges the gap between craft and fine art, highlighting the skill and vision required to create both.