Wine Glass c. 1939

Michael Fenga made this tonal drawing of a wine glass with graphite on paper. I wonder what Fenga was thinking as he made this study? Maybe, he was captivated by the way light filters through the glass, playing with reflections and refractions. Look closely. Notice how the delicate graphite marks capture the subtle nuances of light and shadow. The glass almost seems to shimmer, as though lit from within. I love how he renders the curves and contours of the glass with such care and precision, really emphasizing the inherent fragility and elegance of the vessel. He invites us to contemplate the beauty in everyday objects, prompting a slower, more thoughtful way of seeing. This piece reminds me of Morandi’s still life paintings with bottles and jars. Both artists transform ordinary objects into vehicles for contemplation and meditation, exploring the interplay of light, form, and space.