Candlestick c. 1937

Herman Bader made this drawing of a candlestick, likely in the 20th Century, using graphite on paper. It has such a lovely muted palette. It's funny how a limited palette can sometimes say more, or sing more, than a painting with a whole range of colours. I'm really drawn to the subtle gradations of tone and the way the pencil renders the smooth, metallic surface of the candlestick. It's like a whisper of light and shadow, and the precision of the lines makes the object feel so solid, so present. If you look closely at the handle, you can see the artist's hand at work, each stroke carefully placed to create a sense of depth and volume. It reminds me a little of Giorgio Morandi, who also loved to draw these quiet, understated still lifes, and was also interested in simple forms and subtle variations of tone. Ultimately, what makes this drawing so compelling is the way it invites us to slow down and really see the beauty in the everyday.