Mahogany Tilt-top Table c. 1936

Erwin Schwabe made this drawing of a Mahogany Tilt-top Table, we don’t know when, but it gives off a mid-century vibe. The drawing is so precise. The detail in the table's grain and the ornate carving on the base is incredible. It makes you think about the hours Schwabe must have spent rendering it. I’m drawn to the way he captures the light on the surface of the mahogany. It's almost like he’s trying to evoke the feeling of running your hand over the smooth wood. The contrast between the dark, rich tones of the table and the pale background creates a sense of depth, pulling you into the image. Schwabe has not just represented an object. He has invited us to experience it sensually. I’m reminded of Agnes Martin’s simple lines and grids, which, in their own way, also invite us to contemplate the beauty of everyday objects. Art is about seeing and feeling, not just knowing.