Lamp c. 1936

Mario De Ferrante made this drawing of a lamp sometime during his lifetime with what looks like graphite on paper. The marks are built up slowly, creating subtle gradations of tone. You can almost feel the artist’s hand moving back and forth, gently coaxing the image into being. It's about time and labour, the kind of attention that comes from really looking. There's a quiet stillness in the drawing, a sense of reverence for the object. The lamp itself is rendered with meticulous detail, from the curve of the bowl to the delicate chain. Notice the small sketch in the lower left corner; it’s a kind of echo, a reminder that seeing is a process, an unfolding. The texture of the paper peeks through, adding a subtle warmth and tactility. It’s like a whispered conversation between the artist, the object, and the surface. De Ferrante’s drawing reminds me of the work of Giorgio Morandi, who also found endless fascination in the humble still life. Both artists invite us to slow down, to really see the world around us with fresh eyes.