Cabinet-top Desk c. 1937

Curator: Standing before us is a drawing entitled "Cabinet-top Desk" dating from around 1937 by Rolland Livingstone. It is rendered in ink. Editor: Gosh, it feels…serious. Stately almost, in that severe, monochrome way. Like something a very important accountant would use. Curator: Indeed. The drawing adheres to the principles of modernism, evident in the simplification of form and geometric precision that dominates the overall aesthetic. The meticulous hatching creates depth, articulating a clear spatial relationship between the desk and its various compartments. Editor: It’s undeniably functional. I appreciate that level of…almost surgical delineation. Each element is separated but, yet joined. Though I can't quite envision anyone actually feeling cozy while writing at this desk. What kind of moods can it even facilitate? I'm going with "stern resolution." Curator: Perhaps a little romantic severity would have leant themselves more freely, with their swirling line, however there is undeniable clarity. The high contrast ink technique enhances the graphic qualities of the drawing while underscoring the artist’s command over descriptive rendering. What one calls sterility I name compositional coherence. Editor: That statue perched on top… is she included? I love her poise. And while everything seems set on right angles, she's breaking the lines with a very subtle, and maybe sardonic, curve. What do you think her commentary on these straight lines are? She does create an amazing level of detail for a figure looming the whole scene with the final judgement. Curator: Yes! She surmounts this micro-structural panorama. And from an art-historical vantage, the desk also plays a pivotal structural role here too, connecting geometric components and a clear hierarchy of values. I also find the geometric quality of this to have an influence from decorative-art. Editor: Decorative and imposing. A paradox made into the modernist aesthetic that still speaks to us today. Thank you, Mr. Livingstone. Thank you so much!