Wrought Iron Balcony c. 1936

Al Curry made this drawing of a wrought iron balcony using graphite and colored pencil. The image evokes turn-of-the-century urban architecture, probably somewhere in Europe. The wrought iron work exemplifies the Art Nouveau style. Note the fluid lines, intricate ornamentation, and handcrafted quality of the ironwork. Art Nouveau was born as a rebellion against industrialization, but also against the established artistic institutions. This style was a conscious effort to integrate art into everyday life, blurring the lines between fine art and functional design. Balconies such as this would have decorated homes of the rising middle classes, expressing their aspirations for taste and refinement. Curry’s drawing invites us to consider the social function of art, and the way that artistic movements reflect broader social and economic transformations. In researching the drawing, one might look into journals of decorative art from the period, or even architectural plans, to better understand the cultural context in which it was made.