Silver Coffee Pot 1935 - 1942

This "Silver Coffee Pot" was made by Michael Fenga, who lived from 1855 to 1995, and there is something so nice about how simple it is, like he just wanted to show you how light can be described by shade. Look closely at the way Fenga uses pencil strokes to create the illusion of metallic sheen, it’s really interesting to me. See how the horizontal lines that delineate the base and lid give the impression of weight and solidity? But then elsewhere the marks are much softer, like they are trying to find the form, rather than describe it literally. It’s the kind of drawing where you can see the artist thinking and feeling, not just copying what’s in front of them. Fenga's rendering of the handle stands out, doesn't it? It’s more graphic and bold than the rest of the pot, which almost feels tentative by comparison. It’s like he’s inviting us to see the world in a new way, one that balances observation with imagination, maybe a little like Morandi’s still lifes, but with a humbler touch.