Red and White Napkin (Deer Design) 1935 - 1942

Arthur G. Merkley’s Red and White Napkin (Deer Design) is a textile artwork with an image of a deer surrounded by foliage in the center. It’s got to be one of the most beautifully designed napkins I’ve ever seen! There’s something about the symmetry in this piece, and the balance between the red and white that creates a peaceful yet arresting image. The deer seems to be caught in a moment of calm, almost dreamlike, which makes me think that the artist was really considering what a space of refuge and serenity might look like. I like the way the leaves and foliage border the deer. It frames the deer with an intimacy that makes you want to be there with them. Merkley's work reminds me of the folk art tradition, where everyday objects are elevated through intricate design. It shows that beauty can be found in the most humble places.