Spur c. 1938

This rendering of a spur was made with graphite and watercolor by Cornelius Christoffels. What strikes me is the gentle way Christoffels coaxes form from the paper. The drawing is precise, the rendering almost technical, but the subtle use of pigment gives the metal a warmth and depth that feels deeply personal. I’m drawn to the flower-like pendant at the bottom of the piece, its delicate petals formed from gentle gradations of light and shadow. It feels almost like a wink, as if the artist is reminding us of the beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places. This reminds me a little of the work of Giorgio Morandi, who, like Christoffels, found endless inspiration in the humble objects that surrounded him. Both artists remind us that art is not just about grand gestures, but about the quiet moments of observation and reflection that shape our understanding of the world.