Lantern c. 1939

Samuel W. Ford’s watercolor painting, "Lantern", takes a humble object and elevates it to a subject worthy of close attention. The color palette centers on muted bronzes and grays, allowing the form and texture of the lantern to take center stage. Up close, the meticulous rendering of the metal parts reveals Ford’s attention to detail. Look at the upper section of the lantern, where the tiny perforations are each carefully articulated. The slight variations in tone, from warm to cool, create a subtle shimmering effect. The delicate gradations in the glass suggest the play of light and shadow, hinting at the lantern’s function as a beacon in the dark. This level of refinement invites us to consider the process of seeing itself. It reminds me of the still life paintings by Giorgio Morandi, who also found endless inspiration in simple, everyday objects. Both artists demonstrate that the most profound artistic statements can come from the careful observation of the world around us. Art is always in conversation with itself.