Iron Bank Elephant c. 1938

Z.S. Lupus drew this Iron Bank Elephant with graphite and watercolor, rendering the toy in soft, diffused hues. The gentle blending suggests a process of layering, building up the image through careful observation. Look at the elephant’s skin; it’s rendered with a subtle crosshatching, creating a sense of texture and form that’s both delicate and robust. The addition of watercolor gives the graphite a luminous quality, especially in the red and gold accents of the saddle and the seat on its back. It’s in these details that the work really shines, bringing a sense of warmth and whimsy to an otherwise straightforward depiction. It reminds me a bit of the work of Joseph Cornell, who elevated everyday objects into things of beauty and intrigue. Like Cornell, Lupus encourages us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, transforming a simple child’s toy into a captivating work of art.