Brass Bootjack c. 1938

Henry Rasmusen made this "Brass Bootjack" drawing, with what looks like watercolour, or maybe gouache. It's just so flat, everything on the same plane. You can tell he loved details, and the way he renders the bootjack is all about precision. The color palette is pretty restrained; blues, reds, and golds that make you think of Americana, like an old flag or a vintage sign. There’s a lot of ornamentation – stars, stripes, curlicues – all meticulously painted. Look at the 'B.V.' in the center and the little stars dotted around. The lettering and little flourishes are picked out in gold against a solid blue field. It gives the bootjack a real sense of purpose, like an emblem. This work is similar to Charles Demuth's Precisionist paintings, which are very precise and detailed, elevating everyday objects to a higher status. All painting is an exchange of ideas, across time.