Tumbler c. 1936

John Dana created this watercolour painting of a glass tumbler. The composition is immediately striking for its simplicity; the tumbler is centered against a pale background, drawing our eye to its form and colour. Dana has meticulously rendered the facets and curves of the glass, playing with light and shadow to give the object a palpable sense of volume. The choice of a deep purple hue is significant. It evokes a sense of luxury. This elevation of the everyday object invites a deeper consideration of its structure. The tumbler becomes an exercise in form rather than function. Ultimately, Dana’s attention to detail, colour, and form transforms a simple glass into a study of aesthetic value. The painting prompts us to consider how artistic representation can imbue ordinary objects with extraordinary meaning.