Brooch and Earrings c. 1936

Editor: So, this watercolor drawing is titled "Brooch and Earrings," and it's from around 1936 by John Thorsen. I’m really drawn to the delicate rendering and how the pale watercolors evoke the elegance of Art Deco jewelry. How would you approach an interpretation of this piece? Curator: Formally, we might consider how Thorsen's choice of watercolor on paper impacts the reading of the depicted jewelry. Notice how the translucency of the paint mimics the light that would play on actual gemstones. The repetition of oval shapes, coupled with the gold trim, works to unify the composition. How does the artist use line to differentiate the materials - the gold versus the pearl, for example? Editor: That’s a great point. I see how the sharp lines define the metal settings, while the pearls and larger gems are softer. Do you think the pale color palette tells us anything? Curator: Undoubtedly. The choice of a muted palette seems to function on a couple of levels. Practically, the gentle lilac and gold tones may directly correspond to available materials in the marketplace. But consider the effect: the quiet color scheme seems to amplify the underlying elegance, or perhaps femininity, associated with the jewelry’s design. Note also the placement of the jewelry against a blank field – how does that alter the overall impact of the composition? Editor: Interesting! The emptiness really does focus the viewer’s attention on the shapes and delicate details of the jewelry itself, heightening the contrast between each of the materials. It really highlights the intention of the jewelry, rather than where it might sit. Curator: Precisely. Form, in this instance, really dictates content, doesn’t it? It has taught me to appreciate art deco jewelry as a craft that embraces subtlety, in color, forms and geometry. Editor: Me too. Thinking about the forms and materials opens up a new way to consider jewelry. Thanks so much.