Bandbox Design: Sandy Hook - Selma Sandler

A vintage gouache design by Selma Sandler, 'Bandbox Design: Sandy Hook' depicts a charming maritime scene with sailing ships and lighthouses in a folk-art style. Perfect for adding a touch of vintage Americana to your home.

This charming gouache design by Selma Sandler, titled 'Bandbox Design: Sandy Hook', captures a maritime scene with a folk-art sensibility. Created in 1953, the artwork likely served as a design for a bandbox, a type of lightweight cardboard box used for storing hats and other delicate items, popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The composition features sailing ships navigating choppy waters, flanked by lighthouses on either side. The colour palette is dominated by a soft sky blue, contrasted with the muted rose of the ships and lighthouses, and the deep blacks and browns of the rocky coastline. The stylised waves and simplified forms lend the piece a naive charm, characteristic of folk art. The words 'Sandy Hook' are emblazoned across the centre, referencing the coastal area in New Jersey, USA. As a fine art print, this design would bring a touch of vintage Americana to any room. Its muted colours and nautical theme make it a versatile piece that would complement a variety of decor styles, from coastal to country to eclectic. The artwork's historical context as a bandbox design adds an extra layer of interest, making it a conversation starter as well as a beautiful piece of art.