Coverlet (Section) c. 1941

This small watercolor, probably made in the early part of the 20th century by Cornelius Christoffels, is of a section of coverlet. What strikes me is its process-oriented nature; you can sense the careful, repetitive actions that built up the image. Looking closely, you can almost feel the texture of the woven fabric, even though it’s just paint on paper. Christoffels meticulously recreates each stitch in blue and beige, giving the whole thing a surprisingly tactile quality. The outer edge is traced in green, anchoring the block of pattern. My eye is drawn to the center, where those diamond shapes meet. The slight imperfections, the wobbles in the lines, make it feel so human. It reminds me a little of the early work of Agnes Martin in its humble, handmade geometry. But Christoffels is working from a different place, a more practical, craft-based tradition. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that art is everywhere, in everything, if you just take the time to look.