Bandbox c. 1939

Walter Doran made this study of a Bandbox sometime in the 20th century, likely with watercolor and graphite on paper. The palette is muted with an overall wash of Prussian blue and hints of white, sienna, and umber. I wonder how Doran arrived at the decision to produce this painting? I can imagine him carefully observing the textures and patterns of the bandbox, trying to capture its essence on paper. He was probably thinking about form and depth, and how the interplay of light and shadow defines the object's shape. Each stroke of watercolor could be a move closer to understanding the box. He must have also considered the history and cultural significance of the bandbox, and perhaps even pondered its use as a container for hats or other personal items. The painting feels connected to a long tradition of artists depicting everyday objects, finding beauty in the mundane. It reminds me of Chardin's still lifes or even Morandi's arrangements of bottles. Artists are always responding to one another, building on what came before, and adding their own unique perspective. Painting remains a form of embodied expression. It embraces ambiguity and uncertainty, allowing for multiple interpretations.