Pewter Stamp c. 1937

This is Henry Meyers' Pewter Stamp, drawn with graphite and watercolor on paper. I love the way this rendering has such a controlled palette. It's almost monochromatic, yet that makes the pale wooden handle pop! It's like Meyers decided to restrain his palette, maybe to focus on the intricate details, which are really something. The metal parts have this cool, smooth texture, while the wood grain on the handle feels so natural. It’s all about the contrast, right? The crisp lines outlining the object contrast with the softer, more subtle shading inside. Look closely at that handle; see how each tiny mark comes together to create the illusion of roundness and volume? There’s a sense of care and precision in the way he has made this image, echoing the craftsmanship of the physical object itself. Think of Joseph Stella’s technical drawings of the Brooklyn Bridge, similarly obsessed with capturing the modern world in all its glory.