Drop Leaf Table c. 1941

Dorothea Farrington made this drawing of a Drop Leaf Table, likely with watercolor or colored pencil. The color palette is minimal, and the approach to mark making is almost diagrammatic. It reminds me of technical drawings. I find the tabletop particularly interesting. The artist represents the wood grain with delicate, almost topographical lines. These lines follow the curves of the wood, giving it a sense of depth and volume. The legs of the table splay outward, each ending in a claw foot. Farrington's drawing has something in common with the work of contemporary artists like Jennifer Bartlett, who also combines a conceptual approach with a detailed rendering of everyday objects. While Farrington's drawing may seem simple at first glance, it invites us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of functional objects. Art isn't just about grand statements; it's also about the small, quiet moments of observation and appreciation.