Toy Bank: Horse c. 1939

Chris Makrenos made this painting of a 'Toy Bank: Horse' at some point in the 20th century, using who knows what kind of paints and brushes. Isn’t it funny how a simple object, like this toy bank, can become something more on paper? I think what grabs me here is the surface. It's got this subdued, almost velvety quality. It's not about showing off flashy brushwork, but more about letting the color and the shape speak. Take a look at the way the light hits the horse's mane; there's this gentle gradient, like the paint was coaxed into place. It's kind of like how Giorgio Morandi would paint bottles, turning everyday objects into these monumental, almost spiritual forms. And that's what Makrenos does here. It's not just a horse; it's a study in light, shadow, and the quiet beauty of things. The softness with which the image is rendered recalls the work of Gerhard Richter in his painterly photorealist style. This is what happens when art takes the most humble of items to create lasting work.