Card Table 1937

Ferdinand Cartier made this drawing of a card table, sometime in the 20th century, with pencil, ink, and watercolor. Look at the way the color is layered so delicately, almost invisibly, like a slow build-up of experience. The grain of the wood is evoked with the most minimal of marks, just enough to give the illusion of depth, and I find myself wondering about Cartier’s process, how much time he took, and how many layers of pigment were applied. The choice of such a functional, everyday object makes me consider the beauty of design, and the emotional connections we make with the things that surround us. The precision of the drawing also brings to mind the work of artists like Agnes Martin, who found endless inspiration in the subtle variations of a carefully calibrated grid. Ultimately, this card table reminds us that art is an ongoing conversation, embracing ambiguity and inviting multiple interpretations.