Burnt Plaque 1935 - 1942

This Burnt Plaque was made by Frank Maurer and it’s a dance of light and shadow, where an image emerges through the controlled application of heat, perhaps a careful manipulation of a burning tool. Imagine Maurer, in his studio, holding the tool like a pen, etching lines into the wooden surface. This is like drawing with fire. The tones are earthy, warm browns and creams, reminiscent of sepia photographs or the patina of aged wood. The central figure is a draped form, possibly female, gracefully supporting a globe. She reminds me of Atlas, with a celestial body, as if carrying the weight of the world, or maybe just dreaming of it. There’s something both ancient and modern about this work, echoing classical sculpture while exploring unconventional techniques. I wonder, did he think of the old masters, or was he just having fun in his own way? In the end, all artists are always talking to each other, aren’t they? Trying things out, burning and building with the same fire.