Silver Spoon c. 1936

Charlotte Winter's rendering of a "Silver Spoon" presents two studies in graphite on paper, their stark realism grounded by an architectonic frame. These are accompanied by what seems to be a technical diagram in the lower left, as if the artist were an engineer drafting a schematic. Note how Winter employs tonal variation to create a sense of depth and volume, subtly articulating the spoon’s curved surfaces. Light and shadow define its form, and the precision of line work creates a sense of material presence. The twin representation of the object offers multiple perspectives, inviting us to consider the spoon not merely as utensil but as an object of scrutiny. The structuralist reading invites one to consider the cultural codes embedded within this everyday object. The spoon becomes a sign, loaded with cultural meanings of wealth and status. The cool detachment of Winter’s style, combined with her focus on a functional object, challenges conventional hierarchies of value. This allows us to question established meanings of value and representation.