Cradle c. 1940

Chris Makrenos made this striking image of a Cradle with watercolour. I find myself drawn to the interplay between the decorative embellishments and the form of the cradle itself. It is this focus, I think, which gives the painting its powerful sense of presence. The colours are muted, earthy, with a predominance of green and red, and a clever use of gold to lift the image. The texture looks smooth, and it’s clear that the paint has been applied in thin, even layers. But it’s the red interior that really grabs me: it has this wonderful, almost visceral quality, evoking warmth, comfort, and a sense of protection. It's a small detail, but it seems to contain the emotional heart of the piece. The image reminds me a little of some of the work of Henri Rousseau, not so much in terms of style but in its directness. There's a kind of simplicity in this image that is incredibly powerful.