Silver Platter 1935 - 1942

This drawing of a silver platter was made by Alfred Nason sometime in the 20th century. Look closely, and you'll notice it’s rendered with graphite and watercolor washes on paper. The octagonal shape and oval center, combined with the ornate detailing around the rim, create an interesting tension between geometric precision and fluid, organic forms. The translucence of the watercolor creates a sense of depth and luminosity, while also revealing the texture of the paper beneath. See how the thinness of the washes allows the light to bounce off the surface? It's as though Nason wanted to capture not just the platter, but the light reflecting off it, making the silver seem almost ethereal. I’m reminded of Man Ray’s rayographs. The unfinished edges of the drawing, with those little smudges and drips, add a layer of informality to the piece. It's a reminder that art is often as much about the process as it is about the final product.