Accounts (from Sketchbook) 1796 - 1886

Editor: This is "Accounts (from Sketchbook)" by Asher Brown Durand, dating from 1796 to 1886. It’s a drawing using ink, graphite, and pastel on paper, and it's held at The Met. I find it interesting how something so mundane, like financial accounts, can become a piece of art. What catches your eye in this piece? Curator: Well, I’m drawn to the historical context and what it reveals about everyday life in that period. This isn't just about numbers; it's a glimpse into Durand's social interactions, modes of transportation like the "boat fare" or "coach", and the expenses he incurred. We must ask: Whose stories are typically valued in art history and how can understanding documents like this help fill gaps in historical representation? Editor: So it’s less about the artistic merit of the lettering itself, and more about what the document signifies? Curator: Exactly. The materiality, the handwritten quality… it all contributes to an intimate portrait. Were these accounts for personal or professional use? Does the act of recording create a different understanding of social class or labor roles in his environment? Even the attempt to organize tells a story. These small glimpses show aspects that might inform social issues like wealth distribution at the time. What can these records tell us about the community that he lived in? Editor: That's fascinating; I didn’t consider how much information you could pull from something so simple! Curator: It invites us to critically engage with seemingly ordinary artifacts. These accounts are points of connection to history and could enrich our narratives beyond the typical high art pieces displayed. This reframing acknowledges those missing in dominant narratives, even if it only begins with deciphering handwritten notes. Editor: I'll definitely look at similar works in a different light now. Thank you!