Cattle Brand c. 1936

J. Henry Marley made this painting of a cattle brand, we don’t know when, but it’s a symbol, maybe painted with tempera, of ownership. It’s elegant and quite abstract. When I look at it, I can imagine Marley thinking, “How can I make this simple, powerful, and memorable?” It is like a signature, a way of saying, “This is mine”. The black shape is bold and graphic against the cream background. It reminds me of calligraphy, where a single stroke can carry so much meaning and intention. The way it curves and ends in those little hooks, it’s almost playful, but purposeful too. I think about the history of mark-making and how artists and artisans over the centuries have used symbols and signs to communicate ideas, tell stories, and leave their own mark on the world. It reminds me that painting is about exchange and inspiring each other across time. Ultimately, it’s an embrace of ambiguity, leaving room for multiple interpretations.