"Hurricane" Shade c. 1936

Frank Fumagalli’s "Hurricane" Shade, made sometime between 1855 and 1995, presents a pencil study of a simple glass object. Fumagalli's work is characterized by his precision and attention to detail. What does it mean to capture the likeness of an everyday object, especially one so easily overlooked? The hurricane shade is a common household item, designed to protect a flame from the elements. Yet, its transparency also makes it a symbol of fragility. Fumagalli seems to ask us to contemplate the unseen forces, both natural and societal, that shape our existence. Perhaps this drawing prompts us to reflect on the beauty of utility, and how even the most ordinary objects can carry profound meaning.