Wall Painting 1935 - 1942

Editor: Today we’re looking at “Wall Painting,” created between 1935 and 1942, a watercolor and pencil drawing by William Herbert. It depicts a simple whitewashed doorway slightly ajar and I am struck by the artist's use of watercolor in rendering the textures. How would you interpret the scene depicted here? Curator: Ah, yes, William Herbert! This painting pulls me in like a whisper. I feel like I’m standing there, on the precipice of some untold story, a personal, intimate experience rendered visible. He invites me to feel the gentle push of that door as it creaks a bit inward. Does it remind you of anything in particular, the earthy tones, perhaps a feeling of being 'home?' Editor: It does feel very grounded, almost elemental with the brick and stone details and the landscape framed inside, but can you talk more about the construction of space in the painting? Curator: Space! Herbert understood the emotive power of space itself. The soft arch frames an undefined vista, which is more felt than seen. Look at how the cool tones and shadow on the doors contrast the earth tones and sun-baked entrance of the door creating a dreamlike ambiance. Doesn’t that threshold promise something, or perhaps subtly warn of secrets untold, a beckoning beyond that barrier? Editor: I see now. That layering effect is definitely more subtle than I realized, and really pulls you in! Thanks, that perspective is super helpful! Curator: Absolutely, what have we learned here together? I am not even sure that there’s any learning if the exchange of ideas isn't collaborative and organic, something beautifully alive in process like a good jazz solo.