Rattle (Matraca) 1941

Here we have William Kieckhofel's 'Rattle (Matraca)' made with some kind of drawing media on paper. It's got this quiet stillness to it, you know? Almost like the rattle itself is holding its breath. I can imagine Kieckhofel, squinting, maybe even holding the actual rattle in one hand, trying to capture every little detail. There is a precision to the work, like he's saying, “I see you, rattle. I see all your angles and textures.” The surface almost looks like wood grain. That handle on top is calling out to me, whispering, "Pick me up, give me a shake!" It reminds us that painting isn't just about looking; it’s about feeling, imagining, and connecting with the object on a deeper level. And it gets me thinking about all the other artists who've tried to capture the world around them, each in their own way, inspiring one another, across time.