Silver Sugar Bowl c. 1936

Hester Duany made this drawing of a silver sugar bowl, using graphite on paper. It’s incredible how she coaxes out the light, isn’t it? You can almost feel the coldness of the metal, and this gives the drawing a sculptural feel. Look closely at the surface. The graphite is applied in such a way that it feels as if light is actually reflecting off of this bowl. It's all about the tonal variations, the way Duany captures the subtle shifts from light to shadow. The eye travels around the object, noticing the decorative details, like the floral motif. Each mark, each line, contributes to the overall impression of elegance and refinement. It reminds me a little of Agnes Martin's understated approach; there's a similar quietness, a sense of simplicity that belies the complexity of the drawing itself.