Nameboard from Schooner 1935 - 1942

Beverly Chichester, born in 1855, painted this nameboard from a Schooner at an unknown date. The brown ochre palette gives this piece an earthy, aged feel. Can you imagine Chichester at work, maybe sketching the original nameboard from life? She might be trying to capture its essence with each careful brushstroke. Look at the way she renders the goods—barrels, trunks, and books—all nestled together, it's like a still life on the go. That looping blue banner with "ERIC GET" inscribed has such a playful curve, as if it's dancing along the wood! It reminds me of the lettering in Stuart Davis' paintings, bold and graphic. I wonder if she knew his work? Chichester's nameboard reminds us that artists are constantly riffing off each other, through time and space. There are no fixed meanings, just endless possibilities. It's like we're all in this big, messy, beautiful conversation together.