Silver Salt Cellar 1935 - 1942

Hans Westendorff made this drawing of a Silver Salt Cellar, using graphite on paper. Look how he's handled the light! It's like the drawing itself is glowing. I love the way he uses different pressures of the graphite to create a sense of three-dimensionality. It’s almost photographic, but there’s a handmade quality, especially in the delicate rendering of the monogram. Notice how Westendorff has really focused on the texture of the silver, paying attention to the way the light reflects off the surface. Look at the way he's captured the subtle curves and edges of the cellar, it feels almost sculptural. This piece reminds me a little of the drawings of Vija Celmins, who also used graphite to create incredibly detailed and realistic images. Both artists share an interest in capturing the world around them with a keen eye and a steady hand.