Plaque c. 1940

This Plaque of an eagle, crafted from Spanish cedar, stained and varnished, was made by Virgil A. Liberto. It's all about the wood here, right? The grain, the stain, the varnish – it’s a celebration of process. You can imagine Liberto, carefully choosing the wood, feeling its texture, and letting the material guide his hand. I’m drawn to the way the light catches the varnish, highlighting the subtle variations in tone. It gives the eagle a sense of depth, almost like it's emerging from the wood itself. Look closely at the beak – see how it curves, sharp and determined? That one little detail speaks volumes about the artist's intention and the care he invested in this piece. Liberto shares a sensibility with folk artists, finding beauty in the everyday, and elevating simple materials through craft. This Plaque isn't about perfection; it's about the journey of making. It's a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places, if only we take the time to look.