Footstool 1935 - 1942

Albert Levone made this study of a footstool, using paint, sometime between 1855 and 1955. It's important to note that Levone was active during a period of significant change in the art world, with movements like Impressionism and later Modernism challenging traditional artistic conventions. The footstool itself, a humble object, is elevated through the act of artistic representation. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The depiction of a footstool may seem like a simple subject, but the symbolism of sitting and leisure, of class and domesticity, were very important to artists during the late 19th century. To truly understand this work, one needs to delve into the social and institutional context in which it was created. What role did decorative arts play in society at that time? How did art schools and academies influence the production and reception of such works? These are the questions that a social art historian might ask. Examining period documents, exhibition catalogs, and critical reviews can shed light on the cultural forces that shaped this image.