Glass 1935 - 1942

This unassuming drawing of a glass, made by an anonymous artist, is a real exercise in tonal control. It’s all about subtle gradations and the play of light on a smooth surface. The artist's focus on the glass is so intense, so careful, that it feels like a meditation. Look closely, and you’ll see a range of grays, from almost white to nearly black. The artist uses delicate hatching to suggest the form, but the drawing is also economical. Areas are left untouched, allowing the paper to breathe. It’s this balance between precision and openness that gives the work its captivating quality. The choice of such a humble subject reminds me of Giorgio Morandi’s still life paintings, which find endless fascination in simple bottles and jars. Both artists show us that profound beauty can be found in the everyday, if we just take the time to look.