Silver Cup c. 1938

Michael Fenga made this small drawing of a silver cup, and it looks like he was working with graphite on paper. The graphite is laid down in such a way as to suggest the reflective surface of the cup, and the drawing is a real study in tone and light. It’s interesting that the reflections create these odd, almost abstract shapes. It is the light and shade that really makes this image. The inscription and the handle almost appear as afterthoughts. It reminds me of some of the drawings of Giorgio Morandi, these very subtle, simple arrangements. You can see the hand of the artist, especially in the way the graphite is layered to build up the form, and how he’s chosen to render the shadows. It’s a quiet, intimate piece, and you can feel Fenga’s curiosity and care in the way he’s observed this everyday object. Drawings like this invite us to slow down and really *see*.