Vase c. 1936

John Dana's 1936 design, "Vase", depicts a detailed plan for a decorative ceramic vessel. The drawing showcases six individual medallions, intended to encircle the base of the vase, each depicting a scene from early American history. These scenes, ranging from a man chopping wood to a group of people working on a boat, are rendered in a realistic style. The overall composition of the drawing is simple yet elegant, showcasing Dana's mastery of visual storytelling and his ability to capture the essence of history in a captivating way. The design was likely intended for a functional object, highlighting the merging of art and everyday life that was popular in the mid-20th century.