Silver Teapot c. 1936

Here is a drawing of a "Silver Teapot," made with graphite, we think, by an anonymous artist. The thing that gets me about this piece is the artist's dedication to capturing the play of light on metal. It's all about tone. There's an incredible range of grays, from almost black to barely-there. It's like they're chasing the highlights, trying to nail down that fleeting moment when the light catches the curve of the spout. Look closely at the handle. The way the artist renders the light and shadow, it almost feels like you could reach out and touch it. You can practically feel the coolness of the metal, the smooth curve fitting into your palm. It reminds me a bit of Morandi, that quiet focus on everyday objects, finding the sublime in the mundane. It’s a reminder that art is as much about seeing as it is about doing.