Drinking Vessel (Loving Cup) c. 1936

Editor: This is Frank McEntee's watercolor, "Drinking Vessel (Loving Cup)," created around 1936. It's really interesting. The first thing that struck me was its symmetry with the two horse heads, and the colours, especially the way they blend. How would you interpret this work? Curator: Well, first off, "Loving Cup" makes me think about fellowship, celebration…maybe a medieval banquet, eh? The two horse heads – mirroring each other - might symbolize partnership, loyalty. McEntee wasn't just painting a cup; he was painting a shared moment, wouldn't you say? Almost like two friends sharing a quiet drink at the local watering hole. It has a ritual feel, doesn't it? Editor: Yes, definitely a sense of tradition or ceremony. But the colors are a bit muted, which sort of tempers the festive vibe, doesn’t it? Curator: That's perceptive! The muted tones could hint at the past, memory, things fading with time. And the cup itself…it's both beautiful and functional. It holds something precious, like memories. Perhaps McEntee hoped for us to drink deeply from it? It almost invites storytelling, don’t you think? Editor: I can see that, yeah. I hadn't considered the fading aspect, and I was more focused on the artistic symmetry, missing how the colours tie to the story of memory. Thanks! Curator: Art's like that. One moment you're lost, the next, the cup runneth over with meaning! Keep looking, keep questioning!