Silver Porringer c. 1936

Hester Duany created this drawing of a "Silver Porringer" using graphite on paper. The composition is dominated by concentric circles, forming the bowl of the porringer, which immediately draws the eye to the center of the piece. This contrasts with the ornate, curvilinear handle at the top, creating a visual tension between geometric simplicity and decorative complexity. The drawing uses subtle gradations of shading to evoke the reflective qualities of silver, giving a sense of depth and volume to the otherwise flat surface. This interplay of light and shadow is further complicated by the inclusion of a small, abstracted profile view in the bottom corner, offering a different perspective on the same object. The structure invites us to consider how Duany uses the formal elements of shape, line, and tone to explore the relationship between representation and abstraction, function and form. While the drawing clearly depicts a functional object, it also transcends mere reproduction, becoming a study in visual perception and artistic interpretation.