Horse Collar and Hame c. 1941

Wilbur Rice made this painting of a Horse Collar and Hame sometime between the 1930s and 1940s. It has such a tenderness to it. I can imagine Rice patiently building up these brown washes, coaxing the wood grain to emerge. The painting feels like a kind of portrait, doesn't it? Look at how the collar and hame are centered and isolated against the pale background, almost floating there. It’s like Rice wants us to really see this object, to understand its form and appreciate the craftsmanship. The light is so gentle. You know, it makes me think about the quiet dignity of everyday objects. I bet that Rice knew the weight and feel of the wood, the purpose it served on a farm. There's a kind of reverence here, a deep respect for the work of human hands and for the animals that shared in that labor. Thinking about this, reminds me of the work of other painters, such as Fairfield Porter, who drew inspiration from the landscapes and objects around him. We are all inspired by one another, by the things we see, feel, and experience.