Silver Beaker c. 1938

Helen Alpiner Blumenstiel made this Silver Beaker drawing, though we aren't sure exactly when. It's a simple subject, carefully rendered. Look at how she coaxes out the form with subtle gradations of tone. There is a real sensitivity here. It reminds me of Morandi and his bottles, but with an even more quiet feel. The surface is smooth, built up with delicate pencil marks. You can almost feel the cool, metallic texture of the beaker through the paper. Notice the gentle curve of the lip, the way it catches the light. And those tiny etched initials – HH – give it a sense of history, of someone’s personal story. It brings to mind other female artists like Agnes Martin who create the most meaning through the simplest marks and shapes. Ultimately it’s a humble object elevated through careful observation and a loving touch. There's something deeply satisfying in that.