Silver Wine Coasters c. 1936

These silver wine coasters were conceived by Clayton Braun in the late 20th century. You can see the artist testing out ideas, with two views of a looping, filigree-like design. There's a particular, almost obsessive quality to the drawing. It's very controlled, precise, and considered, like the artist is working out every angle and curve. I'm drawn to the even tone achieved by the pencil, giving the impression of metal as a solid form. The linear detail in the center evokes a sense of depth in the shadows, but there is very little tonal graduation overall. This makes me think of the work of some of the German draftsmen like Albrect Durer, especially their etchings and engravings. In this case, the artist is not making a fine art object per se, but rather a functional item that is also beautiful. There's a conversation here between craft and fine art, where the care and attention given to the design elevate it beyond its utilitarian purpose. For me, art should embrace the everyday and transform our perspective on the world.