Iron Fence - Sea Horse Design c. 1936

Carl Hobby created this sea horse design for an iron fence with watercolour on paper at some point during his rather long life. The sepia palette feels old-fashioned, like looking at a faded photograph. The colour scheme gives the design a sense of cohesion, each element connected through tonal variations. The sea horses themselves are a fantastical blend of dragon and seahorse, the spiral of their tails echoed in the curves of their manes. These creatures spout what look like pipes, and that contrast of organic form with industrial function is just delicious. Look at the paper itself. It's got that lovely off-white, slightly mottled surface that only comes with age. It provides a subtle texture that enriches the overall effect, giving the piece a sense of history and depth. It reminds me a little of Max Beckmann, but without all the angst!