Silver Tea Caddy c. 1937

This drawing of a silver tea caddy was made by Michael Fenga, probably in the middle of the 20th century. Fenga has used a pencil with great precision and control, and the silver object almost glows against the paper. I can imagine the artist looking intensely at the caddy, trying to capture its reflective surface. And it's not just about replicating what he sees, but also interpreting it, feeling the weight and coolness of the metal through the pencil. The small heraldic crest on the front adds a layer of history and identity to the object, a story within a story. It makes me think about the tradition of still-life painting, where everyday objects are transformed into something meaningful through the artist’s attention. There's something about the way Fenga has rendered the object that elevates it beyond its function. It becomes a meditation on light, form, and the quiet beauty of ordinary things.