Silver Mug 1935 - 1942

This drawing of a silver mug was made by an unknown artist, using graphite or pencil on paper. Look at how the artist renders the sheen of the metal. It’s a dance of light and shadow, isn't it? I’m struck by the way the artist builds up the form with layers of soft, grey tones. They seem to be coaxing the object out of the white ground. Notice the darker lines that define the mug's outline, and how these contrast with the subtle gradations of tone across its body. It's like the artist is feeling their way around the object, mapping its surfaces with delicate touches. This drawing reminds me of the work of Giorgio Morandi, who devoted his life to depicting simple bottles and vases. Like Morandi, this artist finds beauty in the everyday.