Buckskin Purse c. 1937

Benjamin Bryant made this watercolor drawing of a Buckskin Purse sometime in the 20th century. The muted color palette and the precision of the line make me think about the artist sitting very close to these objects, studying every little detail. I wonder, what was Bryant thinking about when he painted this purse? Was he struck by its utilitarian design? Or perhaps he was interested in the way the light played across its surface, creating subtle gradations of tone and texture. The gentle washes of brown and tan create a soft, almost dreamlike effect. The artist's careful rendering of the purse’s details, from the delicate fringe to the intricate beading, speaks to a deep appreciation for craft and tradition. In its own quiet way, Bryant’s drawing reminds me of other artists who have found beauty in the everyday, like Morandi with his bottles, or maybe even one of those super realist painters. It's all one big conversation, isn't it?