Candlestick c. 1937

This drawing of a candlestick was made by Philip Johnson, sometime between 1855 and 1995. It is rendered in a muted palette and the even application of graphite gives it a photographic quality. Look closely, and you'll notice the subtle modulations of tone that bring this utilitarian object to life. The hexagonal base of the candlestick, its gentle curves and sharp edges are all rendered with great care. I love how the artist captures the way light plays across the surface of the metal, creating a sense of depth and volume. Then, compare this to the thin outline drawing of the same candlestick in the top left. Are these two different things, or the same thing, just seen differently? This drawing reminds me a little of some of the more academic work of Vija Celmins. Her drawings of everyday objects elevate the mundane to something monumental, making us see the world around us in a new light. It reminds us that art is not just about beauty, but about seeing, thinking, and experiencing the world in new and unexpected ways.