Chest c. 1939

This is a drawing of a chest, made by Grace Bolser, we don’t know exactly when. It’s so interesting, isn’t it, how a simple object, like a chest, can become a whole world in a drawing? I see this piece as more than just a depiction, it's an exploration of form and light. The rendering is so subtle, almost ghostly, as if the chest is emerging from a dream. The color is minimal. I like to think about how she made this drawing, perhaps with very fine pencils, layering light and shadow to create a sense of depth and volume. Look at how the artist has handled the surface of the chest. It’s not just flat; there's a gentle gradient, a softness that makes it feel almost alive. That small keyhole is like an eye, staring back at us, inviting us to unlock the secrets within. It reminds me a little of Giorgio Morandi's still lifes, where everyday objects are transformed into something meditative. It's a testament to the power of art to find beauty in the mundane.