Sofa 1935 - 1942

Frank Wenger made this drawing of a sofa, and we can see that the materials of production are pencil and watercolor on paper. Although this work might seem quite simple, we can consider the skills involved in its production. Notice the careful rendering of the patterned upholstery and the ornate detailing of the legs. Wenger demonstrates a thorough understanding of the material qualities and production process, and the drawing itself would have required careful craftsmanship. The sofa appears to be designed for domestic comfort and aesthetic appeal. We could also consider the skilled labor required to produce a sofa like this, the time to produce it, and the social context of furniture design at the time. Considering the drawing of the sofa, and the sofa itself, reminds us that these objects are not just functional items, but also products of skilled labor, design choices, and broader social and economic forces.