Wash-stand 1935 - 1942

Edward A. Darby made this drawing of a Wash-stand, and I’m wondering if those splatters came before or after. This drawing is so careful and detailed, and I can imagine Darby- meticulously rendering all the curves and edges, and building up the tone, making the surface gleam. The legs are these lovely, delicate spindles! It's as if Darby is asking: How can I represent the object in a way that is both accurate and expressive? Then there are these splatters that disrupt the precision. The contrast between the controlled rendering and the accidental marks is what makes this piece so alive. It’s a bit like the work of Agnes Martin. I wonder if those little accidents were somehow embraced? Maybe Darby thought they added a certain charm or energy to the piece.