"Slut" Lamp c. 1941

Jacob Lipkin's "Slut" Lamp (c. 1941) is a graphite drawing of a cast iron implement, possibly used to transfer molten metal during the shoemaking process. Lipkin, a prominent American artist known for his meticulous renderings of everyday objects, captures the utilitarian nature of the tool with a stark, almost clinical simplicity. The single object dominates the composition, creating a sense of isolation and prompting viewers to consider its function and its place within a larger narrative of craft and industry. The drawing's title, chosen by the artist, adds an intriguing layer of ambiguity, inviting speculation about the object's social and cultural context.