Stern Piece: Pocahontas c. 1939

Albert Ryder made this watercolor painting "Stern Piece: Pocahontas" sometime in the 20th Century. The subdued palette—earthy browns, creams, and muted reds—makes me think of folk art, especially with its almost rough-hewn quality. What I find really interesting is how Ryder renders the texture, giving a sense of depth and volume to the figure. You can almost feel the grain of the wood. Look closely, and you'll notice how the brushstrokes follow the contours of the form, like the swell of the chest or the curve of the hair. It's as if Ryder is revealing the process of carving or sculpting. Each stroke is a deliberate mark, not just describing the form but creating it. It reminds me a bit of Marsden Hartley's figurative work, that same directness and sensitivity to material. This piece embraces the beauty of simplicity, proving that art doesn't need to be complex to be profound.