Missal Holder c. 1939

Vera Van Voris made this Missal Holder, this rendering of an object, with watercolors, and with care. The palette feels pulled from nature, browns and greens, each brushstroke a gentle observation. Looking at it, you can almost feel the texture of the wood, the way the paint subtly suggests the grain, the carving, it's a testament to close looking. Notice how the wavy green base mimics organic forms like leaves or waves, contrasting with the architectural rigidity of the book stand itself. Each color and line feels deliberate, carefully placed to capture not just the look but the essence of the object. This piece reminds me of the Shaker designs. Like the Shakers, Van Voris finds beauty in simplicity and functionality, celebrating the everyday object with a quiet reverence, and this makes it beautiful.