Marble Ornament (from top of mantelpiece) c. 1937

Manuel G. Runyan made this "Marble Ornament" with an understated color palette, where beiges and browns blend into subtle gradients. I love the way Runyan embraces the process, allowing the washes to settle where they may, hinting at the marble's natural variations. Look at how Runyan captures the texture! The paint is applied in thin washes, creating a sense of depth and volume, but also giving the piece an airy, weightless feeling. The contours of the ornament are traced with a fine brush, emphasizing its elaborate form against the flat surface. What's particularly interesting is the slight irregularities in the paint application. Here and there, you can see drips or variations in tone, giving the piece a handmade, almost provisional quality, emphasizing the physical act of painting. This piece reminds me a bit of the architectural studies of Charles Sheeler, but with a softer, more intimate touch. It feels like Runyan is inviting us into a quiet conversation about form, texture, and the subtle beauty of everyday objects.