Shaker Chair 1935 - 1942

Editor: So, we have this intriguing watercolour here, simply titled "Shaker Chair," dating from 1935 to 1942 by an anonymous artist. The precise rendering almost gives it a technical drawing feel, and that wove seat gives just the right amount of personality to contrast all those straight lines. What do you make of it? Curator: Well, the deceptive simplicity of the object is the key here. This isn't just a chair; it's a distilled essence of Shaker ideals, meticulously captured in watercolour. The artist, choosing to remain anonymous, almost becomes another brick in the wall of Shaker design; pure functionality celebrated, unburdened by individual ego. Does it feel more like reverence than depiction to you? Editor: Reverence, yes, that makes a lot of sense! I hadn’t really considered the self-effacing aspect. The level of detail does seem very respectful, even loving, in its way. So, what's the attraction to depict furniture rather than figures? Curator: The Shakers believed true beauty resided in utility. A perfectly crafted chair, born from purpose, elevates the everyday to the spiritual. You feel a sense of calm just looking at this image; this artist makes you appreciate a chair – quite a feat, don’t you think? Now, is this artist an outsider looking in, do you imagine, or maybe once an insider documenting their community? Editor: It certainly makes you reconsider the art in everyday things. It is hard to say; perhaps the anonymity shields them from potential bias in their time. Curator: Indeed. Sometimes the most powerful statements come from whispers and not shouts! And by understanding one single Shaker chair, we touch the entire philosophy. Editor: A fascinating piece! The conversation shed light on some wonderful insight, for sure!