Trunk c. 1939

Albert Pratt made this drawing of a trunk, we don't know when, using graphite and watercolor. The muted palette, with its blacks, browns, and golds, creates a sense of age, almost like an artifact brought to life. And it’s not just a picture of something, but a portal into a world of making. Look closely, and you’ll see how Pratt meticulously captured the trunk's texture. The tiny dabs of gold paint, mimicking the ornate studs, create a tactile quality that you can almost feel. It’s amazing to think about the time and patience that went into rendering each detail. The way he has rendered the wear and tear of the leather, it feels as though he wanted to give value to something others may have seen as past it's best. Pratt's "Trunk" reminds me a bit of some of the surrealist object painters, like Meret Oppenheim, who transformed everyday objects into things of wonder. Like their work, this piece is more than just a representation; it’s an invitation to slow down and appreciate the beauty in the mundane.