Silver Cake Basket c. 1936

This graphite drawing imagines a silver cake basket, rendered by the Italian artist Giacinto Capelli. I think of the artist in his studio, carefully observing the fall of light on a real object, mapping its gradations with subtle pencil strokes. It’s almost like a black and white photograph, but with the warmth and intention of a human hand. Look at how Capelli has lovingly described the various textures, from the smooth, reflective surface of the bowl to the intricate patterns around the base. And then there’s the structural drawing, included as almost an annotation. I wonder if Capelli saw this drawing as an artwork in itself, or as a design for a silversmith to follow. Either way, it's a testament to the enduring power of drawing as a way of seeing and understanding the world. Artists have always learned from each other, riffing on ideas and techniques across time. In his drawing, Capelli invites us to slow down, observe closely, and appreciate the beauty in the everyday.