Silver Pitcher 1935 - 1942

This drawing of a Silver Pitcher was made with graphite on paper by an anonymous artist. Look at the surface of the pitcher and the way light reflects off the metal. I imagine the artist carefully observing all the subtle shifts in tone to capture the sheen of the silver. I wonder if they were thinking about realism and how closely they could replicate the pitcher in front of them on a 2D surface. This drawing reminds me of some of the still lives Morandi produced. Like Morandi, they're both interested in the contemplative observation of everyday objects and experimenting with the use of tone and light to create mood. Both artists engage in the idea that there is something special and unique about the mundane. What I love about the image is the handle, the way it swoops! And the way the light is picked up along the rim. This artist has noticed something special.