Pa. German Butter Mold c. 1938

This is Charlotte Angus's rendering of a Pennsylvania German butter mold. Note the circular composition, with the carved image set within concentric rings. The warm brown hues give it an earthy, tactile quality. The formal arrangement evokes a sense of tradition and craftsmanship. The beehive at the center, framed by laurel leaves, isn't merely decorative. The beehive in this context is more than a symbol of industry and community. The mold's circular shape and repetitive patterns are contained by the edge of the frame. This creates an enclosed, self-referential structure. This design choice invites us to consider the work not only as a representation but as a study of form and cultural meaning. Angus’s focus on the structure, composition, and form of the mold invites us to contemplate the interplay between aesthetics and cultural significance in everyday objects.