Cap c. 1936

Rosalia Lane created this drawing, entitled 'Cap', using graphite on paper. The interplay of delicate lines and subtle shading captures the textures and forms of this intimate object. The composition is dominated by the cap's rounded shape, softened by the gentle curves of its ribbons. Consider how Lane uses line to create depth and volume. The hatching technique gives a three-dimensional quality to the cap, suggesting the softness of the fabric, while the finer lines detail the intricate ornamentation, bringing a tactile quality to the otherwise sparse drawing. We might see how Lane destabilizes the value of the object itself. A utilitarian object of the everyday is elevated to a subject of art. Note the simple yet effective composition which prompts us to reflect on the subtle beauty often overlooked in ordinary objects. It serves not just as a visual study but as a point of entry into considerations of value, representation, and the nature of seeing itself.