Silver Mug c. 1939

Leo Drozdoff made this drawing of a Silver Mug, probably in pencil, which is cool because you can see all the subtle gradations of tone. I'm always struck by the artist's choice to depict an object that seems so everyday. What was Drozdoff thinking, focusing so intently on this vessel? Was it a commission? Or a labour of love? I can imagine him at his desk carefully hatching the dark tones, and lightly blending to create the illusion of light on metal. Look at how the handle curls, it's a beautiful, flowing line. Drozdoff gives as much attention to this little flourish as to the overall form of the mug. It's as if he is whispering to us, "See this simple object? There's beauty in the mundane if you just take the time to look." Which is something artists have always done.