Oil Can c. 1941

Maurice Van Felix made this drawing of an oil can, and it’s so delicately rendered. Look closely and you can see the artist using graphite to create different shades and textures, almost as if he’s sculpting with the pencil. You can see him thinking about the play of light and shadow on the metal surface. I wonder if he owned this can or borrowed it from a friend, or maybe he was drawn to its simple utilitarian form. I can imagine Van Felix taking his time, carefully observing every detail, from the curve of the handle to the spout, the way the light catches on the lid. It reminds me of Morandi's still lifes. These artists saw beauty in everyday objects, transforming them into something timeless. Isn’t it amazing how a humble oil can becomes a source of contemplation and beauty through art?