Jug c. 1936 - 1938

Nicholas Amantea made this drawing of a jug, we don't know exactly when, using watercolour and graphite. Look closely, and you can see the care taken in rendering the texture of the jug's surface, the stippled effect achieved with graphite, which mimics the rough, porous quality of the ceramic. The blue floral design seems to float on the surface, adding a touch of whimsy to the otherwise utilitarian object. Notice how the artist uses a limited palette, mainly shades of grey and blue, but the subtle variations within these colours bring the jug to life. The handle on the smaller jug seems like an afterthought, like a doodle. But then again, the whole image has that loose, informal quality. It reminds me a bit of Fairfield Porter's still lifes. But maybe that's just me! Anyway, it's these kinds of quiet, unassuming works that really get my attention these days.