Frame and Mouldings 1941

Curator: Let's turn our attention to Stuart Davis’s "Frame and Mouldings," a drawing from 1941 held in the Harvard Art Museums. It's a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the artist's process. Editor: My first thought is that it reminds me of something Leonardo da Vinci would have drawn; it feels like a Renaissance workshop plan. Curator: It reflects Davis's deep engagement with abstraction and how the frame influences our perception of the art it holds. His notes underscore the importance of careful consideration of the visual elements. Editor: The careful sketches of the mouldings themselves, almost like architectural details, really speak to the history of artmaking as a craft. He's deliberately choosing to display this visual information. Curator: Absolutely. Davis recognized the frame not as a mere border but as an active participant in the artwork’s meaning. It’s a testament to his commitment to challenge conventional artistic norms. Editor: It makes you think about how we, as viewers, are also framed by our own perspectives and how that shapes our understanding. Thanks, Stuart!