Christmas Mail c. 1930 - 1936

Editor: This is “Christmas Mail” by Marguerite Zorach, painted sometime between 1930 and 1936. It's an oil painting, and it's just brimming with activity! The brushstrokes are visible, and I’m immediately drawn to all the stories happening within the frame. What do you see in this painting? Curator: Oh, it’s a gem, isn't it? It feels like a memory, perhaps one slightly idealized. Zorach was part of the American modernism movement, so, while seemingly realistic, it has a beautiful stylized quality. The snow-laden landscape feels truly of a time, and the vibrant colors against the white create this almost dreamlike atmosphere. Did you notice the rather curious blue gas pump right next to the horse? It gives you a feeling of two eras brushing against each other. Editor: The pump is jarring now that you mention it! But the figures around "Todd's Groceries" feel timeless. Curator: Absolutely. There's such warmth radiating from that little group huddled around the stove inside Todd's. Zorach also captured that feeling of community. This painting reflects the artist's own life in Maine, celebrating the simple, connected lives of people living and working with the land and weather. Doesn’t the steam rising from the stove conjure a sense of comfort and anticipation? Do you imagine hearing children's laughter and the crisp crunch of snow? Editor: It really does! I guess that contrast—that juxtaposition—makes it even more affecting. Curator: I feel it too. The world of canvas reflects life in an interesting way. It seems to speak across years and cultures. We have truly experienced it with a different, enhanced feeling than before. Editor: Yeah, that’s something I’ll keep in mind for the rest of the tour! Thank you.