Chest of Drawers c. 1939

Lorenz Rothkranz made this "Chest of Drawers" using what looks like watercolor or gouache. The artwork captures a classic piece of furniture with delicate brown strokes, and it makes me wonder about Rothkranz's relationship to design and domestic objects. Perhaps he was interested in the history of furniture making or its function in our everyday lives. The rendering of the wood grain and the subtle highlights on the brass handles give it a tactile quality, as if he wanted to bring the object to life on paper. I wonder if Rothkranz ever worked as a carpenter or furniture maker himself. Maybe he saw a connection between the craftsmanship of furniture and the artistry of painting. There’s a certain meditative quality to this piece, a quiet contemplation on the beauty and utility of the things we surround ourselves with.