Powder Flask c. 1939

Claude Marshall painted this powder flask; there's something about it that makes me want to pick it up! The flask is rendered in soft earth tones and metallic gold. I can imagine the artist carefully layering the watercolors to create this lovely trompe l’oeil effect. Marshall seems to be saying: “Look, I can make something flat appear three-dimensional.” I wonder what they were thinking about when making it? Maybe the contrast between the functional object and its ornate design? The delicate brushwork used to depict the reflective surfaces of the metal creates a sense of depth and volume. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation and appreciation for everyday objects. In the process of making this painting, Marshall is in conversation with the long tradition of still life and observational drawing. Ultimately, it’s about seeing!