Flat Iron Stand c. 1940

Luther D. Wenrich made this watercolour of a Flat Iron Stand, but when, exactly, remains a mystery. The muted palette is so delicate, a whisper of colour on paper, but it really brings out the object’s form. What’s intriguing is the texture he coaxes out of the watercolour, especially in the metallic parts of the stand. Look closely – you can almost feel the rough, slightly corroded surface. It is almost as if Wenrich is more interested in texture and the form than in the story of the object. I love the little details, like the way the light catches on the handle, or the tiny imperfections in the metal. These choices suggest an awareness of the beauty inherent in everyday objects, reminding me a little of some of the still life paintings of Giorgio Morandi. Ultimately, this piece is a quiet meditation on the beauty of utilitarian objects, rendered with surprising sensitivity and depth.