Lamp and Tallow Strainer c. 1936

Marie Famularo made this drawing, Lamp and Tallow Strainer, with graphite and watercolor, probably in 1937 or 1939, according to the writing on the sheet. Famularo’s color palette is really restrained, using muted browns, grays, and tans which gives the objects a solid, almost tangible presence. The textures here are subtle but so effective. Look at how the watercolor gives the lamp a metallic sheen, suggesting the cool touch of metal. Then, notice the small details, like the faint lines indicating the size and shape of the tallow strainer, which add a layer of depth and technical precision to the drawing. I’m drawn to that subtle sense of light she creates, a sort of glow from within. This piece reminds me of the work of artists like Agnes Martin, who also found beauty in simplicity and repetition. It’s a reminder that art is often about seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary, and about the ongoing dialogue between artists across time.