Pa. German Rocking Chair c. 1940

LeRoy Griffith made this painting of a Pa. German Rocking Chair, we don't know exactly when, but it is rendered on paper, in watercolor and graphite. The browns and grays are layered in transparent washes, allowing the underdrawing to remain visible, like a ghost in the machine. Looking closely at the seat, you can see how Griffith used graphite pencil to build up areas of shadow and volume, and how these marks create a subtle texture on the surface. It's a controlled and precise way of working, but also full of sensitivity and care. It makes me think of a painter like Agnes Martin, who found freedom through restraint. The painting feels timeless, not just because of the subject matter but also because of the materials, which have a quietness that feels separate from any particular moment. It's a reminder that art is always in conversation with the past and present, and that there are endless ways to see and experience the world around us.