Chest c. 1939

Lillian Causey’s “Chest” is a detailed watercolor rendering of a traditional four-drawer chest of drawers with a hinged lid and a central lock. The chest is depicted in a realistic style with fine details including the wood grain, the brass pulls on the drawers, and the wood’s rich mahogany color. This meticulous depiction of a functional piece of furniture suggests Causey's interest in furniture design and woodworking. The composition is balanced, with the chest positioned centrally on the page, and the artist's signature, date, and various labels are added in the corners, providing an historical context for the piece.