Choir Rail 1935 - 1942

Albert Pratt rendered this watercolor, “Choir Rail,” sometime between 1885 and 1995. Pratt was an African American artist working at a time when racial and economic barriers often limited opportunities for Black artists. This image, part of a broader collection documenting architectural elements, offers a glimpse into the spaces inhabited and shaped by African American communities. The choir rail, with its stylized floral inlays, evokes a sense of both the sacred and the everyday. It marks the intersection of faith, community, and artistic expression, bearing witness to the cultural practices and spiritual lives of its users. Consider how Pratt’s artistic choices, like the attention to detail in the wood grain and the warm color palette, invite contemplation and reverence, while also highlighting the skill and creativity inherent in vernacular design. The choir rail isn't just a structural element; it's a symbol of collective identity and shared history.