Ladder Back Chair 1935 - 1942

This watercolor painting pictures a “Ladder Back Chair” made by an anonymous artist. This image encapsulates early American craftsmanship as it reflects the values and aesthetics of the time. The chair is rendered with precision, and you can see the woven seat and the ladder back, highlighting the texture and form of the object. The artist's anonymity raises questions about labor, gender and social hierarchies in early America. In the absence of a known author, we might consider who was typically engaged in making such functional objects. Did enslaved people craft furniture for the homes of the wealthy? Or women who were confined to domestic roles? This humble chair invites us to reflect on the lives and experiences of those whose labor often goes unseen. It also prompts us to acknowledge the contributions of those who were excluded from the mainstream art historical narrative. The painting acts as a reminder of the stories embedded in everyday objects.