Shaker Cabinet 1935 - 1942

Editor: Here we have William Paul Childers' "Shaker Cabinet," made between 1935 and 1942, using watercolor, pencil, and drawing on paper. The careful rendering gives it such a calming, orderly presence, although its medium doesn't feel 'monumental'. What can you tell us about its historical context? Curator: Well, beyond just seeing the object, let’s think about the role of the WPA, the Works Progress Administration, during the Great Depression. This piece, a watercolor rendering, served a purpose, to document American design. The Shakers, as you may know, prized utility and simplicity in design, values resonant with the austerity of the Depression era. Do you see how this image, while seemingly straightforward, carries socio-political weight? Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn't considered the Depression's influence on valuing simplicity. It makes sense that the government would fund documentation of such a style. Does the act of depicting the cabinet change its social function? Curator: Precisely! It transitions from a utilitarian object to a symbol of American craftsmanship and resilience. The act of documentation, supported by the WPA, essentially elevates the everyday into the realm of art and historical record. Also consider, who was the intended audience? Were these images meant for the elite, for everyday citizens, or for posterity? The politics of imagery is so nuanced. Editor: I see it now. The cabinet is more than just a cabinet, it's a record of a moment, an ideology. Thanks for sharing this way of thinking about it! Curator: My pleasure! Understanding art involves considering its role within broader cultural and political frameworks. Always ask "why this image, why now, and for whom?".