Crock c. 1939

Paul Poffinbarger’s watercolor, titled "Crock", captures a humble, utilitarian object. The image is quite simple, yet offers a glimpse into the cultural landscape of its time. Made in America, perhaps in the early to mid-20th century, the stoneware crock was a common household item, especially in rural communities. Its presence speaks to a time when self-sufficiency and home preservation were necessities of life. The blue stripes on the gray surface are not merely decorative. They reflect a specific aesthetic sensibility, rooted in folk traditions and the practical considerations of ceramic production. These pots were often made in large numbers in regional potteries, creating a sense of shared identity. The rendering of the crock as a subject of art reflects the changing social attitudes toward everyday objects. What was once mundane becomes worthy of aesthetic consideration, raising questions about the nature of art itself. To truly understand this image, one might look into the history of American folk art, regional pottery traditions, and the broader cultural shifts that elevated such objects to the realm of art.