Weather Vane Finial c. 1941

Curator: Adolph Opstad's watercolor and pencil drawing, "Weather Vane Finial," circa 1941, immediately strikes me with its muted tones. It's surprisingly detailed, considering its practical subject matter. Editor: My eye is immediately drawn to that unusual pig at the top. What do you make of it? Curator: Animals often appear on weather vanes, frequently a rooster representing vigilance. However, the choice of a pig could symbolize prosperity and agrarian life, or perhaps even a humorous commentary on earthly concerns versus loftier aspirations. The pig as a cultural symbol has often represented abundance and good fortune, aligning well with farming communities reliant on livestock. Editor: I'm captivated by the interplay between the metallic sheen rendered in watercolor on the pig figure and the rusted texture of the finial. The artist really seems to be contrasting those formal qualities to emphasize the patina of age versus the hopeful gleam of potential wealth. Notice, too, how he includes that scale figure in the lower-right! Curator: That scale figure provides a great reference point. The weather vane appears quite large, possibly intended for a significant structure like a barn or a public building. It reinforces my sense of the community context and its historical setting during the Depression era. I wonder if this seemingly mundane image would suggest aspiration during economic hardship. Editor: Certainly. Visually, it offers a captivating mix of delicate brushwork and detailed precision. See how Opstad models light on the metallic forms. There is that golden ratio implied across its verticality from its copper-gold peak. A testament to design even when seemingly functional. Curator: This rendering transports me back to a time when craftsmanship and symbolic representation were integral to everyday life. It reminds me of how folk art quietly narrates history. Editor: I agree. It shows us how art resides within objects created for a particular use but which, ultimately, achieve visual excellence through their composition, texture, and artistic intentionality. A simple drawing transforms into something more.