Andiron (one of pair) c. 1940

This drawing of an andiron, one of a pair, was made by Jacob Lipkin sometime in the 20th Century. What grabs me right away is how Lipkin chose to depict this humble object, reducing it to its most essential form through line and tone. There's a real tenderness in the way Lipkin describes the texture of the metal, capturing its rugged surface through delicate marks, and the gradations of light. Look at the way he renders the scroll at the top – each loop of the spiral is carefully delineated, giving it a sense of depth and weight. This close attention to detail reminds me of Morandi, who elevated the mundane to the level of high art. Ultimately, it's this transformation of the ordinary into something extraordinary that makes Lipkin's drawing so compelling. Just like a painter approaches a canvas, Lipkin approaches this simple household object with curiosity and reverence, reminding us of the beauty that can be found in the everyday.