Pa. German Hutch Table c. 1936

Rex F. Bush made this Pa. German Hutch Table. The watercolor on paper depicts what was originally a 29-inch-high hutch table, showcasing the material of wood and the techniques of woodworking. The table’s design reflects a specific cultural tradition, that of the Pennsylvania Germans, also known as the Pennsylvania Dutch. The careful, precise rendering emphasizes the joinery and surface treatment of the wood, highlighting the table's functionality and aesthetic appeal. The choice of watercolor on paper as a medium is interesting, because it invites a different kind of appreciation than would the object itself. It encourages a focus on form and detail, rather than on the heft and physical presence of the wooden table. Bush’s artwork also prompts consideration of the social context in which such furniture was made and used, reflecting a practical, hardworking lifestyle and the artistic expression embedded in everyday objects. The aesthetic suggests the maker's close relationship to craft, as distinct from fine art.