Fragment of Reredos c. 1940

Warren Lemmon produced this design for a reredos, an ornamental screen behind an altar, using watercolor and graphite. The choice of these materials, humble compared to those usually associated with religious art, offers an intimate glimpse into the design process. There's a directness to the application of the paint, without the distancing effect of high finish. The use of traditional art materials, in this context, may also reflect Lemmon's approach to the design, which seems to draw on a variety of historical sources and styles. The work is not mass-produced. The fragment's visual effect relies on the interplay of color and form, the artist carefully manipulating the medium to create depth and texture. The application of graphite adds definition to the image. It invites us to consider the level of labor and skill involved in creating such a design. Looking at this fragment we begin to see how even preparatory works can hold significant artistic and social value, providing insight into the creative process.