Stoneware Jug c. 1940

Nicholas Amantea made this watercolor and graphite drawing of a Stoneware Jug sometime in the 20th century. At first glance, it’s easy to overlook the jug as a simple, utilitarian object. But consider the cultural narratives it carries. During Amantea’s lifetime, the persistence of prohibition era moonshine jugs evokes a complex relationship with the law, poverty and survival. The jug whispers stories of rural communities and the resourcefulness required to navigate economic hardships. The duck motif can be interpreted as a symbol of freedom and adaptability. The jug’s handmade quality also stands in contrast to mass-produced items, reflecting a connection to craft, labor, and regional identity. Amantea’s choice to depict this everyday object invites us to reflect on the values we assign to objects based on their social and historical context. The painting encourages us to see beauty and significance in the mundane, and to consider the stories these objects can tell about the lives and histories of those who used them.