Paper Weight c. 1936

Vincent Murphy made this drawing of a paperweight, probably from life, at some point in his long career. The colours are so delicate, it's as if the paperweight is holding its breath, a still life that feels incredibly alive. Looking closely, the surface is so smooth, almost like vellum, and yet it's made with colored pencils. There's such precision in those tiny marks, it's almost meditative. The side view, that reflected light is so beautifully done. You can sense the weight and the transparency of the glass. It reminds me of a Morandi bottle painting, but even quieter, more intimate. There's a sense of wonder here, a careful observation of light and form that feels timeless. Like Giorgio Morandi, Murphy spent his career exploring these small intimate still life scenes, finding endless variations in the everyday. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t always need to shout; sometimes, it whispers.