Baule portaoggetti
1937
Although Henry Tomaszewski is often associated with expressionist sculpture, his 1937 sketch of a 'Utility Chest' reveals a fascinating shift toward pure, Depression-era utility. Rendered with soft, sweeping strokes that mimic the grain of worn wood, the chest is completely devoid of ornamentation, featuring only a sturdy lid and a solitary keyhole. The handwritten dates at the bottom—spanning April to May—trace a month of careful refinement, likely reflecting the artist's work with federal art projects that aimed to create affordable, functional furniture for struggling families.
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