Zoar Bed Side Stand c. 1939

Angelo Bulone produced this watercolor of a Zoar Bed Side Stand, an object likely made sometime between 1855 and 1995. The image itself is deceptively simple. What stories might it tell us about social and cultural history? The austerity of this design seems to comment on the values of the Zoarite Separatist community. The visual codes point towards a rejection of superfluous ornamentation and an embrace of utilitarian forms. We might explore this community's historical roots in Germany, where their religious beliefs led them to seek refuge in the United States. We can also consider their economic structures and communal living arrangements. To better understand this artwork, one could consult historical records, religious texts, and material culture studies. Art history thrives on such interdisciplinary research, revealing the intricate connections between art, society, and belief.