Jug c. 1936

Nicholas Amantea made this drawing of a jug with what seems to be watercolor. There’s a lot of quiet observation in this work. Amantea is clearly interested in the jug itself, that lovely, almost skin-like texture and color. The color isn't flat; it's built up in these delicate layers that create a real sense of depth. It’s not just about depicting a jug. It’s about the way light hits its surface, the subtle gradations of color, and all those little imperfections that give it character. Look at the way Amantea handles the shadows. They're soft, almost hazy, like the jug is emerging from a dream. And then there's that little patch of darker pigment on the side— a place where the glaze is perhaps thicker. It's these small details that bring the jug to life. Amantea reminds me a bit of Giorgio Morandi, with his muted palette and interest in everyday objects. Both artists share a similar sense of quiet contemplation, finding beauty in the mundane. Ultimately, this is an invitation to slow down, observe, and find joy in the simple things.