Handbag 1935 - 1942

Raymond Manupelli rendered this handbag in pen and ink, using the stark contrast to accentuate its texture and form. The drawing has a tactile quality, making you want to reach out and touch the depicted object. The structure of the handbag is clearly articulated through a series of horizontal bands, each displaying unique woven or knotted patterns. These distinct sections create a visual rhythm, guiding the eye from the robust handle to the playful fringe at the bottom. The fringe itself introduces a sense of movement, contrasting with the rigid geometry above. Manupelli’s meticulous attention to detail invites us to consider the interplay between utility and adornment. The handbag, traditionally a functional object, is here elevated through intricate design, blurring the lines between craft and art. This tension underscores a broader commentary on the value we assign to everyday objects, prompting a reconsideration of their aesthetic potential.