Tin Frame c. 1936

Alfonso Mirabal created this drawing of a tin frame, though we don't know exactly when. The lack of precise dating complicates our understanding of the object. The frame's geometric and floral motifs suggest a blend of cultural influences, likely from the Southwestern United States where Mirabal was active. Such decorative arts often served a domestic function, reflecting a society’s values around family and home. Examining census records, historical photographs, and design pattern books from the period can help us understand who was creating these objects and for whom. Were these frames intended for personal use, or for a broader market? Did they appeal to certain social classes or ethnic groups? Ultimately, interpreting an artwork like this requires us to investigate the material conditions of its production and consumption. The historian can piece together a fuller picture of this seemingly simple object and its place in the world.