Whale Oil Lamp c. 1940

Alfred Goldstein's "Whale Oil Lamp," a graphite drawing on paper from circa 1940, depicts a simple, everyday object in meticulous detail. The lamp's conical shape, bent handle, and three spouts are rendered with a clear, almost photographic, accuracy. The subtle shading and tonal variation evoke the texture of the metal lamp. Goldstein's keen eye for detail and realistic style, characteristic of his artistic practice, makes this drawing a compelling representation of a commonplace object.