Bandbox - Firemen Scene c. 1939

"Bandbox - Firemen Scene" is a painted tin bandbox, created by Walter Doran circa 1939. The bandbox depicts a scene of a group of firemen in uniform pulling a hand-drawn fire engine. The image is set in a small town with houses and trees. The artist used bright colors and a simple style to depict the scene, typical of folk art. Bandboxes were originally used to store hats and other small items, and often served as decorative elements within the home. This piece is an example of the enduring appeal of folk art, and demonstrates the ways in which utilitarian objects can be transformed into works of art.