Bombe Front Chest of Drawers c. 1938

Alfred H. Smith created this watercolor and graphite drawing of a Bombe Front Chest of Drawers, sometime between 1855 and 1995. The drawing immediately strikes you with its careful attention to the chest's rounded form and the warm, reddish-brown hue of the wood. Notice how Smith captures the three-dimensional quality of the chest through subtle gradations of light and shadow. This technique transforms a functional object into a study of form and texture. The overall structure emphasizes a sense of volume and weight, grounding the piece with its sturdy, ball-shaped feet. Smith's close observation and translation of these elements into a two-dimensional representation, invites us to contemplate the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of everyday objects. He challenges our perception, urging us to see beyond the chest's utility and appreciate its inherent artistic qualities.