Relief with Lion 19th-20th century

Editor: This watercolor, "Relief with Lion" by Denman Waldo Ross, presents a heraldic shield with a lion rampant. I'm curious about the artist's choice of such a seemingly traditional emblem. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Consider the materials. Ross, known for his theories of pure design, here uses watercolor, a medium often associated with amateur artistry. This challenges the hierarchy of art, suggesting a breakdown of traditional artistic labor. Editor: So, the material itself is making a statement? Curator: Exactly. By choosing watercolor, Ross elevates a commonplace material, questioning the established value systems within the art world. We can think about the consumption of art and its production at the same time. Editor: I see. It's like he's democratizing art through his choice of materials. Thanks, that's a new way to view art history.