Armchair c. 1936

Louis Annino made this drawing of an armchair with pencil and watercolor on paper. The linear precision speaks to the process of observation and documentation, which is the nature of this drawing. Look closely, and you'll see that Annino hasn't obscured the under-drawing. Faint pencil lines are visible beneath the darker watercolor, revealing the careful construction of the chair's form. The cool greys and warm beiges create a muted palette, giving the image a sense of quiet stillness. The woven texture of the seat is particularly lovely, rendered with delicate strokes that mimic the interlacing of the natural material. For me, the beauty of this piece lies in its simplicity and directness. It reminds me of the work of Agnes Martin, whose minimalist drawings explore similar themes of line, form, and texture. In the end, it is a testament to the power of art as an ongoing conversation and exchange of ideas across time.