-Piggy Bank- mechanical bank c. 20th century

This mechanical piggy bank was made from tin, though we don't know by whom or when. The color palette is playful: bubblegum pink, baby blue, chocolate brown. You can tell that the artist took their time to draw in the details of the face. The surface of this little pig is mottled with age, which lends a nostalgic touch. Each little flower is delicately rendered, and the eyelashes carefully painted on. The lines defining the pigs' features are precise, but it's the subtle imperfections that bring it to life. Notice how the rosy cheek is imperfect, the color applied unevenly - these details are what give this piece its charm. The anonymous maker, like other folk artists, reminds me of Henri Rousseau in his approach to materials. And, like all art, the piggy bank is a reminder that every creation is a conversation, an ongoing exchange of ideas across time.