Silver Mug c. 1938

Hester Duany made this silvery mug on paper at an unknown date, and what strikes me most is the contrast between the soft paper and the cool, hard metal of the mug. I can imagine Duany focusing intently, trying to capture every glint and shadow on the surface. You know, drawing metal objects is like chasing light itself! There’s a push and pull between precision and suggestion, and I wonder what Duany was thinking as she meticulously rendered each curve and ridge. See how the handle curves with such elegance? It's a gentle invitation. The soft, diffused light suggests a quiet moment, perhaps a reflective pause in the day. It reminds me a little of Morandi’s still-lifes, where everyday objects become profound through careful observation. It's a reminder that even the simplest things can hold beauty if you take the time to really see them.