Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Stanley Jasspon Kunitz’s poem “Words for the Unknown Makers: Trompe L’Oeil” delves into the artistry and the subtle deceit inherent in the craft of woodwork. Through its exploration of an anonymous artisan’s creation, the poem reflects on themes of creativity, illusion, and the marriage of practicality with imagination. Kunitz celebrates the maker’s skill while simultaneously acknowledging the playful deception involved in trompe l’oeil—art that deceives the eye.

The poem begins by situating the reader in a rustic, humble setting: “Whoever made this piece began with boards of honest country pine / fit for a modest sideboard table.” The use of “honest country pine” emphasizes the simplicity and authenticity of the raw material, suggesting a connection to rural, unpretentious origins. This material choice sets the stage for the transformative process that follows, highlighting the contrast between the simplicity of the pine and the complexity of the finished product.

As the poem progresses, Kunitz delves into the process of creation: “As for finishing, / I doubt he had a plan, he simply led his brushes on, / or maybe it was they that led.” This line suggests a fluid, intuitive process, where the artisan and his tools are in a dynamic, almost symbiotic relationship. The ambiguity of who leads—whether it is the artisan or the brushes—captures the spontaneity and organic flow of the creative act. This spontaneity is central to the art of trompe l’oeil, where the goal is to create an illusion that transcends the material's original simplicity.

The artisan’s technique is described in detail: “stippling and graining, / simulating to a T maple, walnut, birch, / imitating inlays and veneers, putting on the airs of Sheraton.” These meticulous techniques—stippling, graining, simulating—highlight the skill and precision required to create convincing illusions of more expensive and exotic woods. The reference to “putting on the airs of Sheraton” invokes the renowned furniture designer Thomas Sheraton, whose elegant designs are being imitated here. This imitation, however, is not seen as mere deception but as an art form in itself, blending utility and fantasy.

The poem’s tone shifts to one of celebration and revelation: “Utility took fantasy for wife. / O lucky day!” This metaphorical marriage of practicality and imagination underscores the harmonious balance achieved in the artisan’s work. The exclamation “O lucky day!” conveys a sense of joy and serendipity, celebrating the union of the functional and the fanciful. This union is the essence of trompe l’oeil, where everyday objects are transformed into something more through artistic ingenuity.

The concluding lines of the poem reflect on the joy and satisfaction derived from this creative deception: “The fun was in the afterplay / when the true artisan tells his white lies.” The term “afterplay” suggests a playful, joyous engagement with the work after its completion, where the true pleasure lies in the subtle deceit that has been skillfully woven into the piece. The “white lies” refer to the harmless, playful nature of the illusion created by the artisan. These lies are not meant to deceive maliciously but to delight and astonish, revealing the artisan’s cleverness and mastery.

In summary, “Words for the Unknown Makers: Trompe L’Oeil” by Stanley Jasspon Kunitz is a celebration of craftsmanship and the playful art of deception in woodwork. Through vivid descriptions and a tone of reverence and joy, Kunitz honors the anonymous artisan’s ability to transform simple pine into an illusion of luxury. The poem highlights the creative process, the harmonious blend of utility and fantasy, and the satisfaction found in artistic ingenuity. It invites readers to appreciate the skill and artistry involved in trompe l’oeil and to find joy in the subtle deceptions that elevate the mundane into the extraordinary.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...