Dimensions: overall: 29.9 x 23.1 cm (11 3/4 x 9 1/8 in.) Original IAD Object: 3 1/8" high; 4 1/8" in diameter
Copyright: National Gallery of Art: CC0 1.0
Simon Weiss created this drawing of a silver-covered sugar urn at an undetermined date, using graphite on paper. The urn is depicted with remarkable attention to its form, the play of light across the surface, and its ornamental details. The initial impression is one of classical symmetry and precise execution. The urn's structure consists of several distinct parts: a solid, square base that supports the pedestal, the body with an inscription, and a lid crowned with a pineapple. The interplay of these shapes creates a visual rhythm, balanced and harmonious. The graphite medium is used to mimic the sheen of silver. Weiss employs varied tones to convey the materiality of the urn, suggesting both texture and reflective quality. The inclusion of detailed measurements on the left adds another layer to the work. It transforms the drawing from a mere representation into a technical blueprint, which offers insight into the practical dimensions and construction of the urn. This fusion of artistry and technical drawing invites us to consider the function of the object and the intersection between design and utility.
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