Butcher's Sign c. 1938

"Butcher's Sign" (c. 1938), a watercolor by Vera Van Voris, depicts a detailed rendering of a rusty, wrought-iron sign likely from a butcher shop. The sign features a bull at the top, as well as a variety of tools commonly used in butchery, such as a cleaver, a saw, and a meat hook. The composition highlights the craftsmanship and utilitarian purpose of the sign, while also offering a glimpse into the history of a once-common trade. Van Voris's meticulous detail captures the texture and patina of the metal, imbuing the artwork with a sense of realism and historical weight.