Belt c. 1936

This is a design for a belt, a watercolor on paper by Jean Peszel. It looks like it might be from sometime in the twentieth century. I can imagine Peszel at work in the studio, meticulously layering those soft washes of color and delicate lines. I wonder what they were thinking as they were drawing this. Perhaps they were considering the contrast between the elaborate floral design and the sleek, modern form of the belt itself. Or maybe they were just enjoying the process of bringing this beautiful object to life on paper. Look at how those little flowers are depicted! The composition is exquisite. Each tiny brushstroke captures the essence of a petal, a leaf, a stem. And the silver clasp adds a touch of elegance and refinement. Peszel's design is both timeless and of its time, reflecting an interest in the natural world and a desire to create objects of beauty and utility. Artists, you know, we’re always drawing on what others have done. This image makes me think of the way textile designers work, and the long history of artists making art for use as well as decoration. It’s an ongoing conversation that continues to inspire creativity today.