Shoe Last 1938

George Bobholz made this drawing of a shoe last with graphite and colored pencil sometime in the 20th century. The tones are muted, a symphony of grays, and the mark-making is incredibly detailed, suggesting the tool was very familiar to the artist. I love the subtle shifts in color and texture that bring this object to life. See how the graphite catches the light, creating a sense of depth and volume? The colored pencil adds warmth, hinting at the wood grain beneath the surface. I imagine Bobholz turning the shoe last in his hands, studying its contours, feeling its weight. There’s a quiet dignity in this drawing, a celebration of the everyday object. It reminds me a bit of Giorgio Morandi's still lifes. Both artists share a similar interest in the poetry of simple forms, transforming humble objects into something monumental. Art doesn’t always have to shout; sometimes the quietest voices speak the loudest.