Iron Hitching Post c. 1937

Curator: This intriguing pencil drawing is titled "Iron Hitching Post," created around 1937 by Samuel Fineman. The artist rendered it meticulously on paper. Editor: My first impression is that it's melancholic. The horse's head, usually a symbol of freedom, is rigidly fixed. It feels like a longing for something lost. Curator: That's a great observation. These hitching posts, ubiquitous in their time, signify a relationship to transportation infrastructure and power. The horse’s subjugation speaks volumes about its socio-economic position. Consider who owns the horse, what does that denote at the time of its use and beyond? Editor: You're right. The rendering style gives it such weight, a realness beyond its functional use. Curator: Absolutely. It’s not merely a utilitarian object, it becomes emblematic of the changing landscape during the rise of the automobile culture of that era. As horse drawn carriages fell out of favor. Editor: The craftsmanship on that decorative base, like small shield emblems, juxtaposes domestic comfort with something more primal. Is this piece reflective of the artist’s intention, to comment about domestic issues. Curator: That’s the fascinating thing, isn’t it? An object designed for temporary restraint becomes a permanent marker of a disappearing past, reflective perhaps, of his positionality at the time. Editor: In its quietness, this piece prompts an important pause on technological advancements and the subsequent shifting identities. Curator: I agree; thank you, those are some compelling insights into a relatively unsung object, and all its inherent potential for reading contemporary intersectional narratives. Editor: Well, it was a surprisingly contemplative hitch. Thanks!