Andiron (one of pair) c. 1936

This is a drawing of an andiron, one of a pair, by Arsen Maralian. It's tough to date it exactly, but Maralian was working for a long time. The drawing has a lovely quietness, achieved through the delicate application of pencil. Maralian really coaxes the form out of the paper, slowly building up tone and texture. It reminds us that drawing is a patient and considered process of layering. Look at how he renders the texture of the metal, suggesting its rough and worn surface. You can almost feel the weight and solidity of the object, despite it being just a drawing on paper. Notice the subtleties in the shading, which create a sense of depth and dimension. The gentle gradations give the metal a feeling of history, of wear and tear. It reminds me of Whistler’s drawings, which similarly have a light touch and a profound understanding of form. Ultimately, this drawing invites us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of everyday objects, and the skill of the artist in capturing their essence.