Chest-On-Chest c. 1938

Arthur Johnson made this piece depicting a chest-on-chest of drawers using graphite and watercolor. Johnson was born in 1855, and his artistic vision developed within a time of evolving cultural perspectives on craftsmanship and design. The chest of drawers represented here speaks to broader themes of domesticity and social class. Historically, such furniture pieces were not merely functional; they were potent symbols of status and family identity, with the quality and design reflecting the owner’s position in society. This artwork invites us to consider the historical narratives embedded within material culture. Johnson’s careful rendering encourages us to reflect on our own relationships with objects and how they shape our understanding of history and belonging. It’s a reminder that every object, from the grandest monument to the most modest chest of drawers, carries within it a story of the people and times that shaped its creation.