Drawer Pull c. 1936

Janet Riza rendered these "Drawer Pulls" with graphite and watercolor, capturing the essence of everyday objects imbued with symbolic weight. The keyhole, centrally positioned in each design, speaks volumes. More than a mere functional element, it represents access, secrets, and the tantalizing allure of the unknown. Consider how the keyhole motif echoes through time, from the mythical Pandora's box to the Freudian interpretation of doorways as symbols of sexual awakening. This simple opening becomes a charged emblem, layered with cultural and psychological significance. The elaborate ornamentation surrounding each keyhole evokes a sense of guarding precious knowledge or hidden desires. The drawer pulls themselves suggest the act of revelation, of bringing hidden contents into the light. The enduring presence of such motifs across centuries underscores our fascination with the unseen and our innate desire to uncover what lies beneath the surface. A visual echo resonating with past, present, and future.