Silver Spoon c. 1936

Charlotte Winter made this drawing of a silver spoon, and what strikes me is the intimacy and care taken to observe it. You can imagine her, peering closely, trying to capture its subtle gleam. I wonder, was this an object of her own domestic life, something familiar and dear? Perhaps it had a family history, passed down through generations. Or maybe she was just interested in its shape, that perfect oval of the bowl, the gentle curve of the handle. It reminds me of Chardin, that French painter who elevated everyday objects to high art. There’s something meditative about focusing on something so simple, letting its form fill your attention. The slight imperfections, the way the light hits it – that’s where the beauty lies. It's a kind of still life, but with a drawing implement instead of paint. And in its quiet way, it's just as powerful.