Inkwell c. 1936

Nicholas Amantea made this drawing of an inkwell sometime in the 20th century. It is likely he used coloured pencils or watercolours. Just imagine him looking intently at that glass jar, trying to capture its shimmering facets on paper. You can almost see him, squinting, tilting his head, trying to get the light just right. It’s not easy to create the illusion of depth on a flat surface, to make something solid and real, but it looks like he’s trying. He's been careful with the overall shape, giving it a realistic look. It is a bit like a still life. I wonder if Amantea had a fascination with everyday objects, finding beauty in the mundane? Perhaps he was drawn to the play of light on glass, the way it distorts and transforms. I see this drawing as part of a larger conversation among artists, a continuous exchange of ideas and inspiration across time. Each stroke, each decision, echoing the countless artists who have grappled with similar challenges before.