Infant's Cap c. 1938

Marie Famularo made this drawing of an infant's cap, we don't know exactly when, and in what location. What I find myself wondering about is the labour involved in making something like this. The delicate floral patterns and leaves are rendered in soft grey tones, with a real sense of meticulous care and attention. If you zoom in, you'll notice the individual lines that make up the fabric. It's a very controlled kind of drawing, and the textures are gently built up. If you look closely at the tie, you can almost see the way the light catches on the satin, an extraordinary level of observation that feels almost photographic, even though it's all built up from scratch. This piece reminds me a little of Vija Celmins’ meticulous drawings of everyday objects and ephemera, things that are easily overlooked. Both artists share a similar focus on detail and texture, transforming the ordinary into something worth contemplating. Ultimately, I think it’s a beautiful testament to the possibilities of drawing.