Silver Mug c. 1937

Vincent Carano created this drawing of a "Silver Mug," using graphite on paper. Carano lived through tumultuous times, witnessing the rise and fall of empires, world wars, and significant shifts in social structures. Consider how an object like a silver mug, traditionally associated with wealth and status, might carry different meanings across these eras. Is it a symbol of enduring luxury, or a relic of a bygone era? The smooth, careful shading gives the object a sense of weight. While seemingly simple, this work invites us to reflect on the meaning we assign to everyday objects, and how these meanings shift across time and cultural contexts. It serves as a reminder that even the most mundane items can carry layers of historical and social significance.