Match Safe c. 1941

This watercolor drawing of a Match Safe was made by Herman Schulze, sometime in the 20th century. The artist is working here with an earthy, limited palette, which gives the piece a slightly antiquated feel, even though the execution is fairly precise. You can see the hand in the way the colors blend and bleed a little. The drawing shows a double match safe, complete with ornate metalwork and decorative floral panels. There's a delightful tension between the flat rendering of the form and the subtle shading that suggests three-dimensionality. Notice how the texture of the metal is implied through delicate variations in tone. I'm particularly drawn to the way Schulze handled the floral details, each little blossom and leaf rendered with care. This kind of descriptive approach reminds me of the work of Charles Demuth, who also combined precise observation with a touch of whimsicality. Ultimately, Schulze's work invites us to appreciate the beauty of everyday objects, and to see the world around us with fresh eyes.