Settee c. 1938

Vincent P. Rosel made this watercolor rendering of a Settee sometime in the 20th century. The piece gives us a detailed look at American furniture design, reflecting a broader interest in preserving and documenting material culture. The image presents a seemingly simple wooden bench, but its visual codes reveal a connection to historical styles and craftsmanship. Made in America, this watercolor serves as a record of a specific furniture design, one that likely would have been found in homes or public spaces. Such documentation efforts often coincided with the rise of industrialization, signalling a desire to preserve traditional skills. It invites reflection on the changing landscape of American material culture and design. Understanding the social conditions that shape artistic production requires us to see how institutions and cultural values play a role in defining what art is. Art historical research relies on archival materials that can shed light on the cultural meanings embedded in this image. Approaching art history in this way highlights how art reflects the values of its time.