Sperm Oil Lamp c. 1939

Palmyra Pimentel made this drawing of a sperm oil lamp, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. The color palette is quite limited, primarily earth tones, but the artist coaxes a surprising variety of textures and subtle tonal shifts. This suggests a deep understanding of the medium and the depicted object itself. Look closely, and you'll see how Pimentel builds up the form with delicate washes, allowing the paper to peek through in places. The lamp isn’t just brown; it’s a dance of browns, greys, and even hints of green where the metal might be tarnished. There's a beautiful handling of light, particularly on the curved surfaces, that gives the lamp a sense of depth and volume. Notice the small lid, propped open, revealing a flash of silver. This single gesture animates the whole composition. It reminds me a little of some of Giorgio Morandi's still lifes, where everyday objects are imbued with a quiet dignity. But where Morandi is all about subtle geometry, Pimentel feels more intuitive, more interested in the play of light and surface. It's a drawing that celebrates the beauty of the everyday and the power of close observation.