Mortar and Pestle Sign c. 1939

Sydney Roberts's "Mortar and Pestle Sign" is a graphite drawing on paper, created around 1939. The artwork depicts a single mortar and pestle, a tool used to grind and crush herbs and spices, against a plain background. The subject is rendered with precision and detail, capturing the texture and form of the tools. The simple composition and muted palette give the artwork a sense of quietude and contemplation, reflecting Roberts's interest in the everyday objects and their symbolic significance. The drawing highlights the artist's ability to capture the beauty and utility of ordinary things.