Chair c. 1937

Helen Bronson made this drawing of a chair, probably with watercolor, at some point in her long life. I find the muted palette really charming, all those tans and browns softly defining the shape. The woven seat looks almost photographic, it’s so precise, but then the backrest is more gestural and free. The way the light is suggested gives the whole thing a lovely sense of volume. Look at the top of the chair, where Bronson captures the subtle variations in the wood grain. It’s like she’s not just copying what she sees, but also feeling the texture and weight of the chair. There’s a quiet confidence in this piece. It reminds me a little of Fairfield Porter's domestic interiors, that same attention to the beauty of everyday objects. It just goes to show, you don't need a grand subject to make compelling art.