Handmade Arm Chair c. 1937

Wilbur Rice rendered this humble Handmade Arm Chair in watercolor on paper, a testament to the simple beauty found in everyday objects. Notice the chair's construction, its sturdy wooden frame and the repetitive vertical lines of its back. This design evokes a sense of domesticity and simplicity, a connection to the earth and the craft of human hands. Consider the archetype of the chair itself – a seat of authority, of rest, of contemplation. The chair is a constant presence in the history of art, from the thrones of ancient rulers to the humble seats of everyday life. In earlier times, a chair was often a symbol of power and status, reserved only for those in positions of authority, yet this piece speaks of democratic ideals, of comfort and accessibility. The image of a chair carries with it a sense of both comfort and constraint, a reminder of our own physical presence and the limitations of our bodies. This simple object can engage our subconscious mind, sparking memories and emotions tied to our own experiences of home, rest, and belonging.