Rooster c. 1938

Curator: Right now we’re looking at a watercolor drawing called "Rooster" from around 1938, made by Howard Weld. He was active during the first half of the 20th century. What strikes you about it? Editor: The rooster’s almost defiant swagger. It’s less barnyard, more... social commentary. There’s something knowing in his gaze. And the execution… intricate! It reminds me of a woodcut. Curator: Yes! Weld clearly emphasizes the physicality of the rooster through this crosshatching—making its wooden construction obvious. During the depression there was renewed emphasis on traditional craft, on using resources available. Editor: A symbolic flexing of economic muscle, almost? Making the best of what you've got. Like a folk hero made of… well, folk materials. But the composition, this proud strut against a stark background, suggests more. Is this perhaps a bit of bravado against harder times? Curator: It very well could be. Public art from that time very often dealt with workaday subjects, showing pride in simple lives and honest labor. But it could just as well speak to anxieties of masculinity, a show of masculine vigor, particularly poignant considering that the Depression emasculated an entire generation. Editor: Oof. Deep. And the colors feel muted, almost faded. Which adds this poignant layer to his grandstanding strut, right? Makes him almost tragic. He’s desperately trying to be imposing, but it feels… frail. Curator: Watercolor will do that for you. Its strength isn’t typically a bold statement; it’s better at nuance. So you have this emblem, presented with fragility. But looking closer, I notice he has tiny black beads for eyes that create a caricature with a simple economy of means. I can almost hear his cock-a-doodle-doo! Editor: I can hear it, too. Not the proud cry of a champion, but… something smaller. Hopeful. Even with everything seemingly muted here, Howard Weld still imbues it with this life, doesn’t he? He really makes this wooden guy memorable. Curator: He does, and within its modest size and muted tones, that rooster still manages to get its message across today.