Sconce 1938

Jacob Gielens made this sconce drawing in 1938, and the way he layers the grays and whites creates a real sense of depth, a quiet sort of luminescence that reminds me of Agnes Martin's work. The metallic surface of the sconce is rendered with such care, each stroke of graphite seems to mimic the subtle textures of the metal, almost like a rubbing, revealing the object's history through its surface. See how the light catches the edge of the candle? It's as if Gielens is inviting us to consider not just the object itself, but its presence in space, its relationship to light and shadow. This piece reminds me that art is all about seeing, and the way we see changes everything, even the most mundane object can become a source of endless fascination. It makes me think about the Shaker craftspeople, and their commitment to making objects of simple beauty, the kind of beauty that sneaks up on you.