Side Chair 1935 - 1942

Ferdinand Cartier made this drawing of a chair, sometime in the 20th century, and from what I can see, it was likely done with watercolour. There's a real love for process in this piece; the marks are so delicate, almost transparent, but still full of purpose. Cartier isn't just copying a chair, they're feeling their way around it, letting the brush do the talking. The washes of brown that describe the wooden frame are so thin you can almost see the paper beneath, which gives the whole thing this lovely, airy feel. Take a closer look at the legs. See how each little line is placed just so, creating this sense of depth and volume? It’s a bit like Agnes Martin in that way, using simple lines to create something that feels both precise and ethereal. It reminds you that art isn't just about the finished product, it's about the journey, the back-and-forth between the artist and the artwork.