An Etude in Gray #2 

Robert Brackman created "An Etude in Gray #2," an oil on canvas still life, during his career as an art instructor in the mid-20th century. The grouping of musical instruments with fruit, flowers, and simple objects such as the pitcher and hat are familiar from the history of painting. The title acknowledges the self-conscious nature of this work, connecting it to the tradition of formal exercises. The "Etude" is of course a musical term. The painting itself references a history of academic formalism, where the purpose of the artwork is to advance the artist's technical skills and understanding of their medium. Brackman taught at the prestigious Art Students League for over 40 years. The picture can be understood as a conservative statement, a defense of the artistic establishment. The role of the art historian is to reconstruct and understand the institutions that enable the production and reception of artworks such as this. Looking at sources such as the journals and exhibition records of the Art Students League can provide valuable insights into the meaning of Brackman's painting.