Compote 1935 - 1942

This drawing of a compote, probably made with colored pencils, is by Van Silvay. It's amazing how the artist uses line to build form, making the object emerge from the paper. The color is subtly modulated, giving depth to the glass while remaining relatively flat. I love the way the artist has left the background blank, letting the linear form of the compote speak for itself. Look at how the lines flow within the bowl of the compote, suggesting a sense of movement and light. The color is layered, with darker tones building up the shadows and lighter tones highlighting the reflections. The linear structure and pale blue colour create a cool, elegant form. This drawing reminds me a little of Agnes Martin’s work; the quiet simplicity and pared-down forms. Both artists have a shared sensibility, embracing a certain ambiguity. They prioritize the surface and materiality of the work, inviting us to see the world in new and unexpected ways.