Chandelier 1935 - 1942

This drawing of a chandelier was made by Simon Weiss, using what looks like pen and watercolour. I love the way Weiss takes a traditionally opulent object, all fussy and glitzy, and renders it with a kind of humble simplicity. The lines are delicate but sure, capturing the form without getting bogged down in detail. The watery washes create a sense of depth and light, even though the palette is so muted. Looking closely, you can see the way the lines vary in thickness, suggesting a gentle hand exploring the object, figuring it out. The beads and crystal drops are particularly charming. Are they heavy or light? Sharp or soft? The drawing asks the same questions as the chandelier itself. The drawing reminds me of some of Philip Guston's later, more cartoonish work. But where Guston is heavy and brooding, Weiss is light and airy, like a daydream about a fancy party.