Side View of Guilford Painted Chest c. 1936

Martin Partyka rendered this drawing of a Guilford Painted Chest sometime between 1855 and 1995. Notice the flat, graphic quality of the chest. Its form is defined by hard edges and the color scheme creates a striking contrast between the dark background and the brightly colored, stylized floral motifs. Partyka's work reflects a structuralist approach, reducing the chest to its basic components. The design elements are arranged in a deliberate, almost formulaic manner. The symmetry of the floral pattern, enclosed within a decorative border, emphasizes the inherent structure of the object, highlighting its functionality and cultural significance. This drawing challenges conventional notions of representation by focusing on essential forms and patterns. The lack of depth or perspective reinforces the idea that the image is not merely a depiction but a sign, a visual code representing the cultural values of utility and decoration.