Pocket Warmer 1935 - 1942

Herbert S. Frere made this drawing of a pocket warmer, using what seems to be watercolor and graphite. I love the way the metallic surfaces are rendered with such precision, the gradations of light and shadow giving the object a real sense of depth. You can almost feel the coolness of the metal against your skin. Frere's attention to detail extends to the patterns etched into the warmer's surface. It’s tempting to see these repeated motifs as not just decoration but as a kind of tactile language. I find myself drawn to the rhythmic repetition of those tiny dashes on the lower section. The drawing reminds me a little of some of Giorgio Morandi's still lifes. Both artists share a similar interest in everyday objects and a similar sensibility in their focus on surface and texture. But unlike Morandi, Frere has chosen to depict an object with a very specific function. This piece embraces the practical and the beautiful, reminding us that art can be found in the most unexpected places.