Wallet c. 1936

This wallet was made by Thomas Holloway sometime before 1827, and it's rendered in watercolor. The way Holloway approached the subject feels so intuitive; each stroke is deliberate yet free, capturing the essence of the worn leather. Looking closely, you see the texture he creates, almost like you could reach out and feel the grain. The black isn’t just black; it's a mix of dark hues, with touches of grey that give it depth. That vibrant red peeking out from within creates a dramatic contrast, doesn't it? I wonder what kind of brush Holloway used, maybe a fine one for the details. This piece reminds me of the work of Charles Demuth, who also had a knack for finding beauty in everyday objects. What I love about this wallet is that it invites us to see the world with fresh eyes, finding art in the unexpected.