Stage Set c. 1938

Gilbert Sackerman dreamed up this "Stage Set" in watercolor, and I just love the way it feels like a memory of a play, or perhaps a dream of one. The washes are loose and soft, creating a real sense of depth. It’s like Sackerman wasn't so interested in precision, but more in capturing the overall mood, the theatrical feeling. Looking at this, I’m drawn to the columns and archways, they sort of frame the scene and create a space within a space. The color palette is muted, a mix of pinks, blues, and golds that add to this ethereal, dreamlike quality. It's all kind of translucent, with a light touch that is far from heavy handed. The textures are so subtle, you can almost feel the smoothness of the marble. In some ways, this reminds me of the work of Eugène Delacroix, who was also a big fan of the theater and often created these grand, romantic settings. Sackerman might be having a conversation with the old masters, reimagining those ideas through his own unique lens. Ultimately, this piece isn't about telling us what to think, but about inviting us into a world of pure imagination.