Churn c. 1936

Frank Fumagalli made this drawing of a churn with watercolour and graphite. I can imagine him hunched over it, patiently capturing the subtle curves and details of the ceramic. He’s really committed to the task of accurately depicting a useful, everyday object. But it’s not just about representation, is it? The blue cornflower motif is so charming, adding a touch of whimsy to the solid, practical shape of the churn. The light in the drawing is gentle, giving the churn a quiet, contemplative presence. I wonder if Fumagalli ever thought about painting something less... functional? Maybe he found a different kind of beauty in the everyday. It reminds me that artists are always in conversation with each other, drawing inspiration from the world around them. It shows that beauty can be found anywhere, even in a humble churn.