Settee or Hall Seat c. 1936

Henry Meyer made this drawing of a settee or hall seat sometime in the past. It's hard to tell exactly when because the date is not recorded. The careful rendering in watercolor suggests the idea of precision and intention in its creation, and yet it can never be an exact replica of the real world. I find myself drawn to the way Meyer handles the color, which is restrained but effective. The muted tones of the wood grain and the woven seat create a sense of depth. This gives it an odd kind of presence, it feels real but also a little detached. Notice how he captures the light and shadow, especially on the curves of the legs and arms. It’s as if he’s inviting us to run our fingers along the surface, to feel the texture of the wood. That interplay between line and tone, precision and softness, is what makes this drawing so compelling. It reminds me a little of the architectural drawings of someone like Charles Moore, who was also interested in how art could evoke a sense of place and memory. But of course, Meyer’s drawing is also its own thing, an odd little thing, and I am happy to have seen it.