Spur 1935 - 1942

George Rhone made this watercolor painting of a spur. Its intricate design raises interesting questions about the role of art and craft in American culture, particularly during Rhone’s lifetime. The depiction of this ornamental spur offers insight into the cultural and economic landscape of the late 19th and early 20th century. During this time, the American West was being reshaped by industrialization and urbanization. Traditional ways of life associated with ranching and cowboy culture were fading. The artist's choice to immortalize this object suggests a desire to preserve and celebrate a disappearing aspect of American identity. The spur, with its functional design and decorative embellishments, reflects a blend of utility and artistry. We might want to consider how institutions like museums and historical societies contributed to shaping perceptions of the West, and what kinds of documentary evidence– including photographs, oral histories, and material culture–might shed light on this cultural moment.