Chest c. 1939

Lillian Causey rendered this watercolor, titled "Chest," sometime in the 20th century, capturing the essence of a wooden chest. The careful composition is immediately striking; the chest's form is presented with a frontal perspective, accentuating its geometric design. Causey masterfully uses light and shadow to model the three-dimensional depth of the object. Notice how the artist employs variations in tone, from rich dark browns to subtle lighter hues. These tonal shifts give shape to the drawers, and their knob hardware. The grain of the wood is depicted through delicate brushstrokes, inviting a tactile encounter, even on a visual plane. It’s worth noting how Causey uses the watercolor medium to evoke a material presence, creating a dialogue between the image and its object. This formal strategy moves beyond mere representation; it evokes a narrative about utility, craftsmanship, and the cultural meanings we attach to domestic objects. The artwork destabilizes established meanings through the transformation from physical object to artistic symbol.