Ornamental Iron Leaf 1938

Editor: Here we have "Ornamental Iron Leaf", a drawing done in 1938 by Max Fernekes. There’s a kind of quiet stillness to this image; almost like a forgotten relic on display. How would you interpret this drawing? Curator: You know, that "quiet stillness" you picked up on really resonates. To me, it whispers of craftsmanship from a bygone era, the artist's eye lingering on the overlooked beauty in functional objects. It's a leaf, yes, but it's also so much more than that. Look at the almost scientific detail, each swirl and curve rendered with such loving care, while the symmetrical quality is reminiscent of Art Deco style... I imagine Fernekes sitting in a room just bathed with sunlight, capturing these details on a simple sheet. Do you get the feeling it has another function somehow? Editor: Absolutely, I was also considering it may have an architectural purpose. I hadn't picked up on Art Deco initially, but I do see what you mean, particularly the symmetrical shape that mirrors both elegance and utility. I suppose I'm curious to understand how it transforms something seemingly ordinary into something worthy of artistic study. Curator: Precisely! It transforms because the artist slows us down, makes us really *see*. It’s the quiet poetry of noticing, you know? Think about it - the artist transforms a manufactured object, probably destined for some anonymous building, into an object of individual contemplation. Perhaps there is beauty in finding what’s forgotten. The contrast of it is intriguing to consider – manufactured, forgotten and anonymous versus the time dedicated to creating it…It makes me want to touch the iron myself to feel this connection with a piece of functional art! What about you? Editor: Definitely - it's fascinating how seeing this drawing has me rethinking about the history of decorative elements. I also agree that the ordinary versus contemplation of that ordinary contrast enhances it! Thanks, this was illuminating. Curator: My pleasure; same here! There's something grounding in seeing how one object, even from long ago, can unlock so many pathways.