Red School House Bank c. 1937

William O. Fletcher made this painting of two red metal toy banks, and I love how they sit within a pale, cream-colored field, neatly contained by a fine border. I can imagine Fletcher carefully observing these objects, maybe even possessing them, tracing their outlines and details with a steady hand. There’s the bank that looks like a school house, and another with a lot of holes and a screw right in the middle! I'm struck by Fletcher’s dedication to capturing not only the form but also the very essence of these toys. Look at the lines defining the edges of the forms, the subtle variations in color and tone that give the metal its sheen. I find myself thinking about other artists who painted everyday objects, like Morandi, finding profound beauty in the mundane. Fletcher, like those artists, invites us to pause and consider the simple, quiet dignity of these humble objects. Artists are always in conversation, you know, inspiring each other across time. I’m moved by Fletcher’s gentle act of preservation, offering us a glimpse into a world of quiet contemplation.