Cedar Chest c. 1936

Henry Meyers made this drawing of a cedar chest, date unknown, on what looks like regular paper. It’s like a technical drawing, but also kind of dreamy. The color palette is mostly warm browns, creams, and beiges, creating a sense of naturalness. Meyers paid such close attention to the wood grain, capturing every little detail. You can almost feel the texture, like running your hand over a well-worn piece of furniture. The paint is thin and transparent, allowing the paper to peek through. The brushstrokes are delicate, and you can sense that it’s built up in layers. The hardware is rendered with almost geometric precision, adding a kind of industrial feel. It reminds me a bit of some of the Shaker drawings, with their focus on utility and simplicity. But Meyers brings a bit more of a folk art sensibility to the table, imbuing this simple chest with a whole lot of charm. It makes you think about all the stories a cedar chest could hold, and how everyday objects can become vessels of memory.