Fireplace Ornament c. 1939

Andrew Topolosky’s ‘Fireplace Ornament’ presents us with a detailed rendering in watercolor of what appears to be a decorative figure. The figure’s form is meticulously captured, showing a clear structure. Observe how Topolosky uses a limited palette to achieve a sense of depth and texture. The predominantly muted greens and browns give a tactile quality to the image, suggesting the weathered surface of the ornament. The structure of the base grounds the figure, creating a sense of stability and permanence, while the subtle variations in tone model the figure in a three-dimensional form. Topolosky’s choice to isolate the ornament against a neutral background invites us to consider the object itself as the subject of the artwork. The composition, with its central figure, creates an interplay between representation and objecthood. The focus isn't just on what is depicted, but on the very act of depicting.