Toleware Tray 1935 - 1942

Here we have David S. De Vault's "Toleware Tray," dimensions approximately 36.9 x 25.2 cm. This work immediately strikes one with its study in contrasts between the solid applications of color and areas of sketched potential. The tray's border reveals a structured rhythm in its alternating patterns of florals and fruit. The top half is strikingly complete with bold blacks and strategically placed pinks, yellows, and blues that offer a sense of depth and richness against the raw canvas. The lower section remains in the skeletal stage, offering us a glimpse into the artist's process. The unfinished portion invites contemplation on the transition from concept to tangible art, suggesting the artist's intended symmetry while challenging the conventional notions of completion and perfection in art. What does this incomplete status convey about art as a process?