Flask c. 1939

John Tarantino made this drawing of a flask. He’s really gone back to basics, hasn't he? I can imagine him, pencil in hand, closely observing the subtle curves and contours of this everyday object. I wonder what drew Tarantino to this flask? Maybe it was the simple, functional design, or perhaps it held some personal significance. He has taken quite a formal approach, hasn’t he, trying to accurately capture the light and shadow on its surface? The cross-hatching suggests the texture of the glass and the decorative patterns on the flask add depth and visual interest to the composition. It’s fascinating how he reduced the object to its most essential lines, stripping away any unnecessary details. In a way, it becomes more than just a flask, right? It becomes a meditation on form, line, and the act of seeing itself. I bet artists for generations will keep going back to simple forms like this.