Snuffer c. 1936

Hester Duany made "Snuffer" on paper, the date is unknown. I'm interested in how she's looked at this object, turning it this way and that, really taking it apart with her eyes. There's a real sense of process in Duany's work, especially in how she builds up these forms with delicate lines and subtle shading. The texture is smooth, the color palette is muted, and the surface is matte, so it's like she's trying to capture the quiet essence of these tools. Look at the way the light catches the edge of the snuffer box. The strokes are soft, but they create a sense of depth and weight, hinting at the object's function and history. This piece reminds me a little of Giorgio Morandi, his still lifes of bottles and jars, you know? Both artists share this interest in everyday objects and a commitment to close observation. I think Duany's work invites us to slow down, to really see the beauty in the mundane, and to appreciate the labor of looking.