Tablespoon Mold c. 1936

Jules Lefevere created this watercolor of two tablespoon molds, and while the date is unknown, Lefevere lived between 1855 and 1995. The drawing celebrates the usually unseen tools of production, rather than the final product. The spoons themselves would likely have been made of pewter or silver, cast in these molds using techniques of metalworking. Lefevere highlights the textures and forms of these objects, emphasizing the physical labor involved in crafting them. It prompts us to consider the broader social context of craft production, and the skilled traditions involved in shaping everyday objects. By focusing on these molds, Lefevere elevates them from functional tools to subjects of artistic interest, challenging traditional distinctions between craft and fine art, and encouraging viewers to appreciate the artistry inherent in the making process.