Courthouse Bell c. 1936

Editor: This is Erwin Schwabe's "Courthouse Bell," from around 1936, done in watercolor and charcoal. It’s striking how such mundane subject matter is given this…almost monumental treatment. What do you see in this piece that might shed some light on that decision? Curator: Well, bells are rarely *just* bells. This rendering of a courthouse bell, created during the Depression, asks us to consider the symbolic weight of such an object within the community. Think about what a courthouse bell signified then. Editor: I guess it's more than just telling time; it’s a symbol of justice, a call to civic duty? Curator: Exactly! And consider who would commission or purchase a piece like this during that time. Was it intended for a government building? A local historical society? These contextual clues begin to reveal the artwork's potential function. Knowing that Schwabe also worked for the Works Progress Administration also points to an intent to document and valorize local institutions. Editor: So the bell itself represents something larger, and Schwabe's choice of subject becomes less random. What do you think Schwabe wanted viewers to consider about these local institutions? Curator: The WPA era was about reaffirming American values, particularly after economic devastation. This bell becomes a symbol of stability, law, and perhaps even a nostalgic connection to simpler times. Does knowing the date of the work change how you perceive it? Editor: It really does. Seeing it now, knowing the history behind it, gives me a deeper appreciation for how even a simple object can hold so much cultural meaning. Curator: Precisely! Art becomes a powerful lens through which to examine societal values and historical context.