Candle Sticker c. 1940

Frank M. Keane made this artwork, titled 'Candle Sticker', using watercolor and graphite on paper. What I find fascinating is how he captures the wear and tear of time. You can almost feel the history embedded in the object itself. The earth-tone colors—burnt sienna and raw umber—speak of age and utility, while the graphite lines give a sense of precision. I imagine Keane, sitting in a room, carefully observing the light as it hits the metal, capturing every nook and cranny. The sharp needle-like point is quite scary, and there's something almost unsettling about the hook and handle, like some medieval torture device. But I feel the artist's fascination with form, shadow and texture. It reminds me of other artists—the Bechers, for example—who documented industrial structures with such care and attention. There's a certain reverence in looking closely at everyday objects, inviting us to see their beauty and complexity.