Hair Brooch and Earrings 1935 - 1942

Editor: So, here we have “Hair Brooch and Earrings,” a watercolor and drawing from sometime between 1935 and 1942 by William P. Shearwood. It's lovely. The muted tones give it an understated elegance; almost feels like a vintage advertisement. What catches your eye? Curator: You know, it whispers of a time when details mattered, when accessories weren't just… accessories, but little poems. The almost botanical rendition – do you see those little seed-like clusters? – makes me think of nature trying to sneak its way back into the strictly controlled geometry of Art Deco. Or perhaps a subtle mourning jewelry trend making a softer statement. Editor: Mourning jewelry? That's a new thought. I hadn’t picked up on that feeling at all, I was seeing flapper chic. Curator: Well, consider the era, and those earthy tones against what I imagine would have been shimmering fabrics. Do you find the composition somewhat…still? Not static exactly, but restrained. What feeling does the color palette elicit? Is it bright and airy or quiet and intimate? Editor: The brown shades and the arrangement give me an earthy feeling and do bring stillness to mind. Curator: It feels less about exuberant joy, doesn’t it? More like…remembering. That touch of naturalism, the way Shearwood captures the weight of those tiny…berries, almost. Perhaps it was meant as a secret token, a way to carry someone’s essence close. Editor: That's given me a completely different way to view this piece. I was so focused on the aesthetic. Thank you! Curator: That's the joy, isn't it? Shifting perspectives, finding new layers. It's what keeps us coming back.