Antependium of Altar 1937

Edward Jewett made this watercolor Antependium of Altar sometime in the 20th century. Isn't it something? The rhythmic dance of pastel colors in Jewett's design feels like a half-remembered song. I am drawn to the alternating red and white vertical bands and diamond shapes, each cradling a delicate vase of flowers. The watercolor is applied in thin, translucent layers, allowing the paper's surface to subtly peek through, giving it a delicate, ethereal quality. Look closely at the brushwork, particularly in the flowers. The artist uses short, controlled strokes to build up the forms, suggesting volume and texture with minimal fuss. See the way the petals of the roses are rendered with the softest pinks and creams? It's as if Jewett is inviting us into a secret garden, where beauty is found in the quiet, unassuming details. This work reminds me a little of the pattern paintings of Etel Adnan, an artist who similarly explored the beauty of color and form. Art is a language, an ongoing conversation across time.