Downspout c. 1939

Regina Henderer made this drawing of a downspout sometime in the 20th century using what looks like gouache. There’s a real simplicity to the color—this single tone, like a washed-out teal. It reminds me of old public murals, like something from the WPA. You can see where the brushstrokes overlap, creating these subtle shifts in value, suggesting both light and shadow. I like how you can see the hand in it, the mark-making, and the process. Look at the lower half, at the eagle motif. It’s pretty subtle, but the way it’s rendered almost gives it a sense of decay, like it’s been weathered by time and the elements. In some ways, this piece reminds me a little of Charles Burchfield’s architectural watercolors. Both artists seem to find the sublime in the mundane, highlighting the beauty in the everyday structures. But like any good artwork, this embraces ambiguity and multiple interpretations. It's a conversation, and we are invited to join in.