Table Lamp c. 1942

Irving L. Biehn painted this Table Lamp in watercolor on paper, though we don't know exactly when. Looking at it, I'm struck by how Biehn uses the medium to capture the play of light. The translucent globe atop the lamp and the metallic sheen of its stand are rendered with subtle gradations of tone, a kind of delicate dance between light and shadow. The colors are muted, almost monochromatic, which gives the painting a timeless quality. Notice the slight imperfections in the rendering of the lamp's base - the subtle unevenness and the soft, blended edges. These small details reveal the artist's hand, and the work's process, adding a layer of intimacy to the piece. Biehn's quiet contemplation reminds me of Giorgio Morandi's still lifes, which also celebrate the beauty of everyday objects through careful observation and simple means. It's a humble subject, elevated through art!