Dower Chest 1935 - 1942

This Dower Chest was made in 1788, and it looks like the artist used paint, probably oils, to decorate it. The colour palette is so particular, the muted blues and reds give it such a distinctive look. What is really striking is the way the artist has handled the paint: it’s fairly thin, and the layers create a lovely surface texture. The paintwork is not trying to disguise itself, it feels so fresh and alive, you can sense the gestures. Take a look at the heart shape in the center, which bears the inscription 'Maria Stohlem 1788', it has a kind of spontaneous feel, like one flowing gesture of the artist's hand. You can see a similar sensibility in the work of Forrest Bess, both of whom were similarly interested in the process of making. It reminds me that art is always a conversation, across time and ideas. There is something about embracing the ambiguity which makes this piece so appealing.