Preserve Jar c. 1938

John Tarantino made this watercolor of a preserve jar, a utilitarian object used for food storage. The jar itself, likely stoneware, speaks to the traditions of ceramic production. Tarantino captures the jar's earthy tones and subtly uneven surface. The cobalt blue lettering and decorative motif highlight the object's functionality and perhaps a touch of folk artistry. The making of such a jar would have involved skilled labor, from sourcing the clay to shaping it on a wheel, glazing, and firing at high temperatures. These were often produced in large quantities for commercial use, reflecting the growth of industrialization and consumer culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tarantino's choice to depict this common household item elevates it to a subject worthy of artistic attention. This act invites us to consider the everyday objects that shape our lives, challenging conventional notions of art and its relationship to craft and commerce.