Refillable Pencil c. 1941

Mary Fitzgerald's "Refillable Pencil" presents a detailed, almost architectural study of a common object. The pencil, rendered in subtle earth tones, dominates the composition, its verticality anchoring the viewer’s gaze. A circular detail to the left offers a cross-sectional view, enhancing the sense of technical precision. Fitzgerald’s approach elevates the pencil from mere tool to an object of aesthetic contemplation. The meticulous rendering of its form, with an emphasis on its structure and materiality, invites us to consider the underlying design principles at play. The pencil's design reflects a period where even everyday items were imbued with craftsmanship and decorative elements, reflecting broader cultural values of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Consider how Fitzgerald’s focus on detail and form transforms the ordinary into something worthy of artistic study, reflecting a shift in how art engages with industrial design and mass production.