Slipper c. 1936

Melita Hofmann made this drawing of a slipper, likely with pencil and watercolor, sometime in the 20th century. I love how Hofmann lets us in on her process with the ghostly outlines of other shoe ideas floating above the finished one. The single slipper is rendered in a gorgeous, muted purple that feels both present and a little dreamlike. Look at how she layers the watercolor, creating subtle shifts in tone that give the slipper a soft, almost velvety texture. The long, trailing ribbons create a sense of movement, as if the slipper is about to be worn for a dance. It reminds me of Morandi's still lifes, simple objects imbued with a quiet, contemplative beauty. It’s like Hofmann is saying, even the most ordinary things can be a source of wonder if we really take the time to look.