Branding Iron c. 1936

This drawing of a branding iron was made by J. Henry Marley, though we don’t know exactly when. The stark utilitarianism of the image is undercut by the artist’s sensitivity in the rendering of its form. Look how Marley uses subtle gradations of tone to describe the cylindrical handle, giving it a palpable sense of weight and volume. The silvery sheen he gives the metal is quite beautiful. It’s hard to tell what kind of instrument he used, but I would guess it was graphite. See how the lines flow and coalesce in a way that conveys both precision and a kind of relaxed looseness. Notice how this contrasts with the more rigid geometry of the iron itself. The placement of the initial “H” above the tool adds a layer of abstraction, almost like a logo floating above the means of its production. It's fascinating to think about how something so brutal can also be so beautifully rendered; this piece has something in common with the work of minimalist sculptors like Donald Judd. Ultimately, it’s the tension between form and function that makes this piece so compelling.