Pitcher c. 1937

Frank Fumagalli rendered this pencil on paper drawing of a glass pitcher, sometime between 1855 and 1995. During this time traditional gender roles often confined women to the domestic sphere. Within this context, objects like pitchers took on meaning as symbols of domesticity, playing a role in the rituals of home life. Fumagalli, through his choice of subject, invites us to consider the significance of everyday objects and their connection to identity. Is he merely documenting an object or is there a subtle commentary on the cultural values and expectations associated with it? Consider how Fumagalli delicately renders this glassware with pencil on paper, paying attention to its curves and embellishments. The transparency of the glass, which would allow you to see exactly what liquid you are serving, suggests openness, and perhaps even a transparency in gender relations. The image becomes a site for contemplating the interplay between gender, material culture, and artistic expression.