Thin Cake Iron 1938

Harry Grossen made this painting of a thin cake iron, we don't know exactly when or with what, but it has the air of careful looking and slow, steady work. The artist really took their time to bring out the subtle patinas and textures of these old metal objects. I'm drawn to the way the painting captures the worn surfaces. You can almost feel the cool, smooth metal and imagine the countless cakes pressed in these irons. Look at the variation of color and how the light catches the edges of the iron; a range of browns, grays, and even hints of blues and greens give it a real sense of depth. The artist seems to revel in the details, maybe even using different sizes of brushes to create these smooth textures and details. This painting reminds me of folk art and the way everyday objects can become beautiful when they're given this kind of attention. It's a humble subject, but the artist's loving rendering transforms it into something special, something that makes you appreciate the history and craft behind even the simplest tools.