Boy's Suit c. 1939

Editor: This is Julie Brush's "Boy's Suit," a pencil drawing from around 1939. It's surprisingly detailed for a seemingly simple sketch of children's clothing. The ornamental aspects really stand out to me – how might a formalist interpret those? Curator: Indeed. Note the precise lines defining the suit’s form and the deliberate attention paid to the intricate braiding. Brush’s meticulous depiction emphasizes the geometric nature inherent in the design itself. How do the ornamental flourishes strike you in relation to the broader composition? Editor: They feel almost like a distraction from the overall form, drawing attention to surface details rather than the suit's structure. There's almost a tension there. Curator: Precisely. The drawing presents a fascinating interplay between structure and surface, form and ornamentation. The rigid outline of the suit juxtaposes elegantly against the free-flowing curves of the braiding and decorative elements, and consider also the stark linearity of the lines in opposition with the more supple rendering of folds in the material. Does that contrast provide a tension? Editor: Yes! So, the interest lies not just in what's represented, but in how those elements are presented in relation to each other? Curator: Exactly. Brush’s work reveals a concern with the fundamental elements of design, elevating what might be seen as a utilitarian subject to an essay on artistic composition. It also highlights the geometric forms embedded within functional, everyday articles. Editor: This has definitely shifted my view – I’ll look closer at the line work and juxtaposition between rigidity and flair when analyzing this type of drawing. Thanks! Curator: You are very welcome! It highlights the beautiful mechanics of Brush’s aesthetic concerns.