Branding Iron c. 1942

Elizabeth Johnson created this watercolor painting of a branding iron. It is fascinating to consider the way a tool like this implicates artistic practice with questions of ownership and control, and the relationship between humans and animals. The branding iron is a potent symbol, and Johnson's treatment of it invites us to consider the labor and cultural significance embedded in its design. The iron’s material properties are key. It is made from metal which can withstand high temperatures. The blacksmith’s skill is evident in shaping the metal to create the desired brand, which would have been heated until red hot and then pressed into the animal’s skin, leaving a permanent mark. In this process, we can reflect on how labor, tradition, and the branding iron’s functionality intertwine with the aesthetic dimensions of the object. It’s a reminder that the most seemingly utilitarian objects carry profound cultural weight.