Side Chair c. 1937

Bernard Gussow rendered this "Side Chair" on paper, capturing not just an object but a vessel of symbols. Note the wheat motif and ribbons. The wheat is an ancient symbol of fertility, harvest, and divine providence, often associated with agricultural deities like Demeter or Ceres. The ribbons, or bows, frequently denote unity, connection, or celebration. These symbols, echoing through time, adorned Roman reliefs and Renaissance tapestries alike. Each appearance is a reminder that culture does not move in a straight line. Consider the wheat’s evolution: from a symbol of sustenance to an emblem of life’s abundance, intertwined with human hope and memory. The use of such symbols taps into our collective unconscious, engaging us on a deeply emotional level. The chair is not just a seat but an embodiment of cultural memory, a potent force that resonates with viewers on a subconscious level. The non-linear progression of these symbols reminds us of how motifs resurface, evolve, and acquire new meanings across history, embodying the endurance of human expression and belief.