Spur c. 1936

J. Henry Marley made this drawing of a spur sometime in the 20th century, using graphite and watercolor on paper. The palette is muted, almost monochromatic, which gives it a timeless quality. It feels like looking at a memory, softened by time. Marley's lines are confident, tracing the spur's form with a clear understanding of its function and weight. Notice the delicate washes of grey that create depth and shadow. I am drawn to the central star shape, the very point of the spur, the lines are really defined. It's like a little sun, or maybe a gear in some larger mechanical apparatus. The drawing has a directness that reminds me of some of Guston's later work. Both artists share an interest in these everyday objects that are loaded with meaning. It invites us to contemplate the stories behind objects, the labor and lives they represent, and the way they shape our understanding of the world.