Saddle c. 1938

This drawing of a saddle was made by Cornelius Christoffels, though the date is unknown, likely with watercolor and pencil. Look how Christoffels’ rendering celebrates the saddle’s form, with a real dedication to its texture. The warm browns and creams give it an inviting, tactile quality, like well-worn leather. The floral detailing on the saddlebag, rendered in precise detail, is very seductive. Notice the interplay between the opacity and transparency of the watercolor washes, particularly in the subtle gradations of tone on the skirt. It’s almost as if we're seeing the saddle bathed in a soft, diffused light. The artist seems to have a real affection for the object, recording it with care and attention. It reminds me a bit of some of the crisp, clean lines in an Alex Katz painting. Both artists capture the essence of their subjects with a kind of directness that is both familiar and new. Ultimately, this drawing invites us to see beauty in the everyday, and to appreciate the skill and craftsmanship that goes into creating the things we use.