Coffee Grinder c. 1936

Raymond Manupelli rendered "Coffee Grinder" at an unknown date using pencil, watercolor, and graphite on paper. Manupelli, born in 1855, lived through a period marked by significant industrial and social change. Looking at this object, we see a detailed rendering of a common household item elevated through meticulous artistic representation. The coffee grinder becomes not just a tool, but a symbol of daily life and domestic labor. Consider how the simple act of grinding coffee connects to broader issues of trade, labor, and the global economy. Coffee, often grown in colonized nations, finds its way into our homes, supported by complex networks of power and dependence. The presence of the coffee grinder speaks to shifts in consumption and the increasing availability of goods during Manupelli's time. As you reflect on this image, think about how everyday objects can tell us a lot about societal structures and our personal connection to global events.