Ladder Back Chair 1938

Annie B. Johnston made this watercolour painting of a "Ladder Back Chair" on paper. What I love about this image is how it captures the simple essence of an everyday object. You know, sometimes the most profound art comes from looking closely at the mundane. The soft, muted tones and the delicate brushstrokes give the chair a quiet, dignified presence. I can almost feel the texture of the woven seat and the smooth, worn wood. I imagine Annie B. Johnston, sitting with her brushes, carefully observing every detail of this chair. Maybe it was a beloved piece of furniture in her home, a silent witness to countless moments. There's a sense of reverence in the way she's rendered it, elevating a humble object to something worthy of contemplation. It reminds me of other artists who found beauty in the ordinary, like Van Gogh with his shoes or Morandi with his bottles. It’s like she's saying, "Look closely, there's beauty everywhere if you take the time to see it." And I think that's a beautiful message.