Pa. German Bride's Box c. 1936

Frances Lichten created this watercolor and graphite rendering of a Pa. German Bride's Box, sometime between 1855 and 1995. The composition is neatly divided into two distinct registers, each offering a glimpse into the object’s form and function. The upper section, an oval shape, presents a tableau of figures adorned in period attire. Here, the artist emphasizes costume and textual inscription, integrating word and image. The interplay of color is striking, with earth tones juxtaposed against the stark whites of ruffled collars and sleeves. The lower register provides a linear view of the box, its surface decorated with floral motifs arranged in rhythmic intervals. Lichten’s rendering captures not just the appearance of the box, but also alludes to the cultural codes and social rituals embedded within it. This focus on the object as a signifier of tradition invites us to consider how material culture shapes identity and community. Note how the geometric and stylized elements challenge fixed notions of representation, prompting a re-evaluation of art and its function in society.