Stove Urn c. 1939

Milton Grubstein made this drawing of a Stove Urn, likely with graphite or charcoal, where mark-making feels like a careful, almost loving act of translation. The drawing captures the urn's texture and form, but it's more than just a rendering, isn’t it? You can almost feel the artist’s hand as he meticulously shaded each curve and detail. The monochromatic palette emphasizes the play of light and shadow, giving the urn a sculptural presence. Take a look at the finial on top of the lid. See how Grubstein used delicate lines to suggest the petals of the flower? It’s a small detail, but it speaks to the overall sensitivity of the drawing. This piece reminds me a little of Giorgio Morandi’s still life paintings, in its quiet focus on everyday objects. Both artists share a similar sensibility, finding beauty in the mundane. And that’s what I love about art, isn’t it? How it invites us to slow down, look closely, and find meaning in the things we often overlook.