Pewter Porringer c. 1936

Charles Cullen made this drawing of a pewter porringer, its date unfortunately unknown. It’s interesting to see how drawing can be about capturing light; Cullen meticulously shades with graphite, building up tone in a way that almost evokes the real object's sheen. The surface is fascinating; see how the subtle gradations give a sense of the metal's texture? It's like Cullen is coaxing the form into existence, revealing the porringer’s smooth, cool surface, bit by bit. There's a quiet intimacy here. The inscription on the handle, the precise measurements... they all feel important. This drawing is so quiet, but it speaks volumes about seeing and feeling. It reminds me a little of Giorgio Morandi, who also spent his career making drawings of seemingly mundane objects. Art is often about looking closely, taking time, and finding beauty in the everyday.