Bronze Bell for the Dining Room c. 1941

Carl Buergerniss made this watercolor drawing of a bronze bell – maybe for the dining room? – on paper. I’m really struck by the contrast between the simple, almost mundane subject matter and the kind of care and attention Buergerniss gave to it. The bell is rendered with such precision and delicacy. You can see the subtle gradations of color, the way the light plays across the surface of the bronze. It's not just a bell; it's a study in light, form, and texture. The overall feeling I get is of quiet contemplation, and I think it reveals a deeper appreciation for the beauty of everyday objects. It makes me wonder what else Buergerniss found fascinating. What other overlooked corners of the world did he bring to life with his brush? What other stories could he tell?