Trundle Bed 1935 - 1942

Mattie P. Goodman made this delicate rendering of a trundle bed with watercolor and graphite, sometime in the 20th century. There’s a quiet precision to the way she's laid down these colors. I love how the sepia-toned frame contrasts with the soft, milky white of the mattress. You can almost feel the smooth texture of the wood. Look closely, and you’ll see the little details that bring it to life – the subtle shading, the way the light seems to catch on the rounded posts. There’s something so soothing about this simple composition. It reminds me of the early American folk art tradition, a time when everyday objects were made with care and attention. Like the paintings of Edward Hopper, there is a quiet sense of loneliness here, but in the same breath a sense of calm. It's a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places, that even a humble piece of furniture can become something beautiful and meaningful.