Box

Master metalsmith Daniel Brush is a visionary and idiosyncratic artist. His varied oeuvre, which ranges from paintings and woodcuts to sculpture and jewelry, is distinguished by technical virtuosity and a profound engagement with the inherent qualities and possibilities of the materials he employs. A true polymath, Brush studies historical objects, technical treatises, watchmaking, robotics, Noh Theater, and philosophy, and his creative process is both meditative and rigorous. The inspiration Brush derives from historical works of art lends powerful resonance to his work, which engages in dynamic dialogues with artworks throughout the Museum.

These boxes (2021.297.1a,b; 2021.297.2a,b; 2021.297.4a,b) highlight Brush’s extraordinary skill at working with steel and gold, two materials that when juxtaposed produce beautiful and seductive contrasts and plays of light. Indeed, Brush considers light a guiding force in his work. The processes by which Brush blues the steel, works the minute granules of gold, and inlays or applies those granules demand indescribable skill and patience. Brush endlessly studies and experiments with the materials to devise what he considers the optimal color, texture, and composition to realize his vision. His uncompromising approach to his work often leads him to create his own tools and to devote countless hours to perfecting his techniques. Brush’s childhood visits to museums, and particularly Etruscan gold work, inspired his fascination with and drive to master the complex techniques of granulation. This circular box with its gleaming blue knop exemplifies Brush’s virtuosic command of steel and gold. After seeing the blue screws on firearms made by Nicolas Noel Boutet on display in The Met, Brush worked tirelessly to endow the steel with this luminous blue hue. He transforms the diminutive box into a symphony in gold, black, and blue.