Silver Baptismal Basin 1935 - 1942

Horace Reina drew this silver baptismal basin, likely with graphite and ink, creating a study in silvery hues. The precision of the lines is remarkable; you can almost feel the cool smoothness of the metal. Look closely at the subtle gradations of tone. See how Reina uses light and shadow to give the basin its three-dimensional form. It’s not just a flat circle, but a curved, reflective surface, full of potential. It reminds me of a drawing by Vija Celmins with its dedication to close looking and careful rendering. The inscription, "Trinity Church 1824," adds another layer, suggesting history and ritual. There's a tension between the clean, almost technical drawing style and the object's spiritual function. This tension is what makes the piece so compelling. Art, after all, is a conversation across time, filled with echoes and whispers. It’s up to us to listen.