Perforated Scroll 1938

Clarence Secor created this Perforated Scroll drawing in 1938. It's made with graphite and watercolor on paper, depicting what seems to be a fragment of architectural ornament. Notice the illusion of depth and texture achieved through watercolor washes and careful shading. Secor’s artistic skill transforms a potentially mundane subject into something quite captivating. The drawing, with its exacting rendering, invites us to consider the handiwork involved in crafting such details and their relationship to the larger structures they adorn. Consider the social context: drawings like this were often made under the auspices of the Historic American Buildings Survey, a New Deal program designed to record and preserve architectural heritage. It reminds us of the value placed on documentation and preservation during times of economic hardship. Ultimately, this drawing encourages us to appreciate the beauty and significance of everyday objects, and to recognize the skilled labor embedded within them. It bridges the gap between art and craft, inviting us to see artistry in unexpected places.