Silver Box c. 1936

This is a detailed drawing of a silver box, created by Sara Garfinkel. The drawing captures the form and sheen of the silver, emphasizing its smooth, reflective surface. The design is simple, yet refined, with an oval cartouche that features an elegant monogram. Silverware like this was often associated with wealth and status, but it also relies on the labor of skilled artisans to bring it into being. Consider the processes involved in crafting such an object: the refining of the raw metal, the hammering and shaping, the delicate engraving. Each step requires careful attention and expertise. While we might admire the finished product for its beauty, it’s important to remember the amount of work that went into it, and its original function as a repository for valuables. Paying attention to materials, making, and social context allows us to appreciate the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.