Sofa c. 1936

This is Wellington Blewett's 'Sofa,' of undetermined date, an ink and watercolor rendering on paper. Blewett, born in 1855, lived through an era of immense industrial and social change. He died in 1995. The sofa design presents questions about the identities of those who might use such a piece. Couches were often status symbols, tools of display for the leisure classes. However, we also see a place for gathering, for family and friends, and even a symbol of refuge. The decorative elements evoke classical forms, reflecting a desire for luxury and permanence. Yet, the dragon-like arms also suggest something else. In many cultures, the dragon is a symbol of power, and its presence could represent aspirations of those looking to establish or maintain their position in a rapidly changing world. Consider what this design says about the desires and dreams of those who envisioned such an object in their home.