Important Ropes c. 1942

Dorothy Dee Lubell Feigin made this artwork, "Important Ropes", using graphite on paper. The shading creates a moody atmosphere, but I can also see a focus on the physicality of the ropes themselves. You can almost feel the roughness and weight of them. Look closely at how Feigin uses light and shadow to create depth. The thick, dark lines contrast with the lighter areas, giving the ropes a three-dimensional presence. There's a real sense of how these ropes function – how they're tied and used on the ship. They create a feeling of nautical life. It's amazing how she captures the texture and form with such simple tools. For me, this piece is reminiscent of the precision and attention to detail in some of Dürer’s engravings, but with a uniquely modern sensibility. You get the feeling that she wants to capture an everyday moment, and how that can be turned into something special.