Cheese Pot c. 1940

Frank Fumagalli made this drawing of a cheese pot on paper, but we don’t know exactly when. The earthy browns and soft gradations remind me of Morandi’s still lifes, but with a folksier touch. Look how Fumagalli renders the form with such care. The light gently curves across the pot, giving it a quiet sense of volume. The paint is thinly applied, almost translucent, allowing the paper’s texture to peek through, which adds to the intimate feel. I particularly love the tiny dots along the side, like little rivets or nail holes. They give the piece a subtle rhythm, drawing the eye around the pot and preventing it from becoming too static. It’s these small, tender gestures that elevate the humble cheese pot to something profound. It's about seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary, right?