Ammunition Bag 1938

Ethel Dougan made this watercolour of an ammunition bag in 1938, and it's more than just a bag; it's a study in light and form, a quiet meditation on an object of utility. The way Dougan renders the bag's surface is so compelling. She's using thin washes of colour, creating this soft, almost luminous effect that makes the leather look worn, supple, and lived-in. See how the strap is suspended in this kind of awkward but delicate way? Look at the light, how it wraps around the curves and edges, giving it volume and depth. It reminds me of the still-life paintings of Giorgio Morandi, where everyday objects are transformed into something quietly monumental through the act of close observation. In both, there is a process of attending to the world around us and finding beauty in the mundane. It’s a reminder that art is about embracing ambiguity and multiple interpretations, allowing for a richer, more personal experience.