Toy Bank c. 1937

Chris Makrenos made this work showing a ‘Toy Bank’ out of graphite and colored pencil, at an unknown date. At first glance, it depicts a child's novelty item, but it’s also a window into the socio-economic values of its time. The image of a toy bank, styled like a miniature building, reflects the cultural emphasis on saving and financial institutions. Notice the words "Novelty Bank" emblazoned above the door. What did ‘Novelty’ mean in the past? Produced in the United States, at a time when industrialization was changing the shape of society, the work encourages personal responsibility and thriftiness. It’s a simple message that speaks volumes about the era's values and how they were instilled from an early age. To fully understand this image, one might consult historical records of toy manufacturing, advertising, and economic trends. The meaning of art is contingent on understanding its social and institutional context.