Knife Sharpener c. 1939

Lionel Ritchey's "Knife Sharpener," created around 1939, is a watercolor painting that depicts a simple, everyday object. Ritchey, known for his meticulous attention to detail, captures the worn texture of the wooden handle and the rough surface of the sharpening stone. This artwork exemplifies the artist's interest in the beauty of everyday objects and their significance in American life. The realistic depiction of the knife sharpener places it within the genre of still life and highlights the artist's masterful use of light and shadow.