Visiting Card Tray c. 1939

This graphite drawing of a sculpture, 'Visiting Card Tray', was made by Helen Hobart. Look at the sensitivity in the shading of the hands. Hobart captured light as it falls over the surface, defining the contours and mass of the hands and drapery, creating depth and volume on the flat surface. The drawing has a certain weight because of the tone of the graphite. It is smooth, solid, and slightly reflective. I can almost feel the cool touch of the sculpture. The velvety darkness of the graphite is contrasted by the warm, almost aged, creamy paper. Take a closer look at the top of the hands where the sculpture folds. Notice how this area is more expressive? The folds form a kind of frame for the hands. They feel alive, like a second pair of hands almost. This work reminds me of Rodin’s sculptures. There is an interest in hands as expressive forms, capable of conveying emotion and meaning beyond their functional purpose. Art is never just one thing, it’s an echo.