Shaving Mug c. 1941

Nicholas Amantea made this drawing of a shaving mug with graphite and watercolor on paper. Look at how he uses tiny strokes, almost like he's knitting the image into existence. The graphite gives it a ghostly, metallic feel. The mug isn't just sitting there; it's got a history, you know? I mean, you can almost smell the soap! The surface has this beautiful, worn texture, like an old photograph, and the way the light catches the rim makes it feel so real, like you could reach out and grab it. That handle, in particular, has a really subtle, almost smudgy quality. It reminds me of a Morandi still life, but with a more working-class feel. Both artists transform everyday objects into something quietly profound. It’s a reminder that art is all about seeing the world, and it's an ongoing conversation.