Foot Stool - Mahogany with Horse Hair Covering c. 1939

Magnus S. Fossum made this foot stool out of mahogany, and topped it with horse hair. I wonder about the artist, Magnus. I like to imagine him, his hands carefully carving the mahogany, shaping those elegant curves. You know, the kind that feel good just to look at. He seemed to understand that even something functional could be beautiful, that every detail matters. Like the rich, warm color of the wood. And then there’s the horsehair. Can you imagine? Who decided to use horse hair for a stool, it is an usual choice. But it adds this whole other level of texture and interest. It's not just about sitting; it's about experiencing the object with all your senses. What a great combination of design, craft, and utility! Ultimately, it makes you think about all the artists out there, across time, just trying to make something beautiful, and useful, in their own way.