Silver Beaker c. 1938

Palmyra Pimentel made this silvery drawing of a beaker, sometime between 1855 and 1995, the years of her life. Look closely, it’s like she’s mapping the terrain of a metal landscape with graphite. See how each mark delicately suggests the curve and shine of the metal? There's something about the way Pimentel handles her materials that feels both tender and precise. The texture isn't just about copying what’s in front of her, it's about understanding the subject intimately, like feeling its weight and coolness in her own hands. It makes me think of the drawings of Giorgio Morandi, with their quiet observation of everyday objects. And consider the beaker itself; it’s more than just a container, isn’t it? It's a vessel for ideas, memories, a bit like art itself. It holds space, reflects light, and invites us to contemplate the beauty in the ordinary.