Cap c. 1936

Melita Hofmann made this drawing of a cap, we're not sure when, with graphite on paper. Isn’t it funny how a simple line drawing can conjure up so much? I love how Hofmann uses the repetition of simple floral motifs to create a sense of rhythm. It’s like she's mapping out a little universe on this cap, each flower a tiny star in her cosmos. The marks are delicate, almost tentative, and that gives the work a real sense of intimacy. You can almost feel her hand moving across the paper, each gesture building up this intricate design. The pencil is quite faint in places, and these subtle variations in tone give the drawing a real sense of depth and texture. In some ways, it reminds me of the quiet, meticulous drawings of Agnes Martin. Both artists share a similar sensibility, a willingness to embrace the beauty of the imperfect, the handmade. It's proof that a simple sketch can be as powerful, maybe even more so, than a big statement painting.