Pa. German Bride's Hat Box c. 1940

This Pa. German Bride's Hat Box was drawn by George File who lived from 1855 to 1995. With watercolor and graphite, File captures these cylindrical containers; one has an open lid revealing the wooden interior, while the other is closed with a handle and a few decorative flourishes. I wonder, was File interested in preserving a memory of the object? He pays such close attention to the texture of the wood, creating a sense of depth and roundness with light and shadow. I imagine him gently layering color to achieve a sense of form. This feels like a cousin to the still life tradition. But here File draws an object made with care by human hands. It’s like he’s in conversation with the person who made the box, admiring their craftsmanship, and adding his own creativity to the mix. Artists are always learning from each other this way. It’s a beautiful continuum, like a game of telephone across time!