Crock c. 1937

Yolande Delasser made this drawing of a crock with watercolor on paper, though the exact date is unknown. I love how she captures the crock’s aged appearance with subtle gradations of brown and tan. It is as if she observed the object over time, paying close attention to the evolution of its surface. The speckling and layering of the watercolor create a sense of depth and volume, making the crock feel tactile and real. You can almost feel its weight and texture. The simple form and subdued palette make the small blue decoration pop. The overall effect reminds me of Giorgio Morandi’s still life paintings, where everyday objects are imbued with a quiet, contemplative presence. It’s easy to imagine Delasser approaching this subject with the patience and curiosity of a true artist, allowing the process of observation and mark-making to guide her hand. This piece feels like a quiet meditation on the beauty of simple, functional forms.