Candy Container c. 1937

Francis Law Durand rendered this candy container in shades of grey on paper. I wonder what kind of candy he might have put in it? It’s interesting to consider what it was like for Durand to make this. I imagine him feeling his way around the subtle nuances of the transparent glass form, teasing out each delicate curve with focused concentration. It’s a humble subject, but the artist’s careful handling elevates it. I find the overall effect to be quite seductive, with an unexpected sense of volume and depth. And it makes me think about other artists, like Giorgio Morandi, who devoted their lives to rendering the quiet geometries of humble household objects. These artists teach us to slow down, look closely, and appreciate the simple beauty that surrounds us. The history of painting is one long conversation—artists responding to and building upon the ideas of those who came before.