Hadley Chest c. 1936

Victor F. Muollo made this drawing of a Hadley Chest, though we don't know exactly when. I can almost feel the artist leaning in, meticulously rendering each carved detail with watercolor. What a task! I bet his hand cramped. The wood tones are so warm and inviting. There's a real sense of care here, like he’s not just documenting an object, but trying to capture its spirit. Look at the way he’s handled the ornamentation, that intricate gold filigree snaking its way across the surface. Each little flourish feels deliberate, a testament to the original craftsman’s skill and Muollo’s dedication in recreating it. It reminds me of those early folk artists who poured their hearts into every brushstroke. There's a real conversation happening between artists across time, each building on the other’s vision. It’s a lovely reminder that even the simplest things can hold so much beauty, so much history, if we only take the time to really see them.