Maroon 

Editor: Here we see "Maroon," a designer's watercolor made by F. Weber & Company. The jar and color swatches give me a sense of materiality. What can you tell me about the cultural context of this piece? Curator: Well, this isn't "art" in the traditional sense, but it speaks volumes about the commodification of artistic materials. Consider how Weber branded and marketed "designer's" colors. Editor: So, you're saying the label itself is part of the message? Curator: Exactly. How does the label reinforce specific ideas about professional artistic practice at the time? Does it democratize or professionalize artmaking? Editor: I see your point. It’s not just pigment; it’s a product loaded with meaning! Thanks for shedding some light on the broader implications. Curator: Absolutely! These objects offer insights into the socio-economic factors that shape artistic creation and consumption.