Silver and Glass Flagon c. 1936

Carmel Wilson painted this watercolour of a silver and glass flagon at some point between 1855 and 1995. It’s really about the relationship between light and form. The magic of this piece lies in the handling of the watercolour. Look how Wilson builds up translucent layers to mimic the reflective qualities of the silver and the see-through quality of the glass. The brushwork is delicate, almost tentative, allowing the paper to breathe through the washes. Notice the subtle gradations of tone on the silver handle, a dance between light and shadow. It's like Wilson is trying to capture not just the object but also the way light caresses its surface. This piece reminds me of Agnes Martin's quiet insistence on the grid, but here, it's softened, more organic. It’s like a whisper of a still life, inviting us to contemplate the simple beauty of everyday objects.