Andiron (one of pair) c. 1941

This Andiron, one of a pair, was drawn by Jacob Lipkin with graphite, seemingly in pursuit of some kind of perfect form. It's got a kind of quietness to it, this drawing, hasn’t it? The kind of grayness that makes you want to sink into a chair. Lipkin’s mark making is delicate, almost like he’s caressing the form into existence. You can see the subtle shifts in tone, from the darker shadows to the lighter highlights, all built up with tiny, deliberate strokes. The physicality of the graphite on paper feels intimate, like a secret whispered between the artist and the object. Look at the way he renders the circular handle at the top—how the graphite is layered to give it depth and weight, but also a sense of lightness. It's a beautiful balance between precision and intuition. Artists like Giorgio Morandi come to mind. Both Lipkin and Morandi embrace the quiet power of everyday objects, transforming them into subjects of profound contemplation and aesthetic exploration.