Sofa Table c. 1939

Francis Borelli made this drawing of a sofa table using watercolor and graphite. It’s a rendering, a transcription of something observed. The thin washes of color create the illusion of form and depth, but it’s also flat, like a diagram. I love the way the artist describes the wood grain, so carefully laid down in thin strokes. Look at the shadows and highlights, how they delineate the shape and volume of the table. It’s like Borelli is saying, ‘Here is this thing, in all its particularity.’ And yet, it’s also a bit mysterious, right? Is it a celebration of craftsmanship or just a record? The artist's hand is present but subdued; the drawing is more about observation than expression, perhaps. It reminds me a bit of Agnes Martin's quiet, meditative drawings, where the act of repetition becomes a form of contemplation. Ultimately, it’s a humble, beautiful testament to the power of looking.