Platter c. 1937

This drawing of a platter by Joseph Sudek feels so simple, like a quick study of a functional object, but it's also got this intense clarity to it. The whole thing’s rendered in these delicate, almost shy marks; it's like Sudek is whispering the form into existence. The faint greys and golds create a subtle shimmer. Look at how the gold floral pattern dances around the edge, each little flower almost floating free. The surface of the plate itself is just a soft haze of tone, giving it depth without being heavy-handed. There’s this vulnerability in the way he’s captured the light and shadow, a real sense of tenderness. It reminds me of some of Morandi's still life paintings, where ordinary objects are treated with so much care that they start to glow. Ultimately, this little drawing shows how much beauty can be found in the everyday.