Inkwell 1935 - 1942

John Dana made this drawing of an inkwell with what looks like watercolor or gouache. It’s this beautifully rendered little study of a simple object. I can imagine Dana sitting with this inkwell, turning it, observing how the light catches on the glass. It is an everyday object, but here he elevates it. He gives it a certain presence. I mean, look at the way he models the form with those delicate washes of green and blue! There’s a real sense of care and attention in the way he’s depicted this, right? It reminds me of the work of other artists like Giorgio Morandi, who also found endless inspiration in the humble still life. It is a conversation, a visual dialogue that spans time and styles. Dana is looking and learning from those who came before, adding his own voice to the mix. It is a really lovely little thing.