Zoar Milk Pitcher c. 1939

"Zoar Milk Pitcher" is a watercolor painting by Ralph Russell, created around 1939. The artwork depicts two earthenware jugs, one smaller than the other, against a plain white background. The artist's signature appears in the bottom right corner. The still life composition highlights the simple beauty of handcrafted pottery, evoking a sense of rural Americana and the traditions of Zoar, Ohio, a historic communal society where such vessels were commonly used. The painting exemplifies Russell's skill in capturing the textures and colors of everyday objects, bringing a sense of realism and quiet charm to the everyday.