Silver Tankard c. 1938

Lawrence Flynn created this drawing of a silver tankard at an unknown date, rendering it with precise lines on paper. The tankard, depicted with its lid slightly ajar, immediately draws our attention to its structure, a blend of geometric and curvilinear forms. Flynn's composition emphasizes the interplay between the tankard's cylindrical body and the ornate, almost baroque handle. Note how the clean, unadorned surface of the tankard contrasts with the intricate detailing of the handle and lid, creating a visual tension. This stark contrast underscores a semiotic dialogue, where simplicity signifies functionality while ornamentation denotes status and artistry. The careful delineation of light and shadow, achieved through subtle variations in line thickness, lends the drawing a three-dimensionality that belies its medium. This manipulation of form and line allows Flynn to explore the cultural codes embedded in the object, inviting us to reflect on the meanings we ascribe to everyday items through their design and presentation.