Pa. German Sugar Tub 1935 - 1942

Ethelbert Brown made this watercolour of a Pa. German Sugar Tub, sometime in the 20th century. I imagine Brown gently layering the pigments, coaxing the form into being with delicate strokes and washes. It's a warm palette of earthy pinks and greens, evoking a sense of rustic charm. I wonder, was he drawn to the textures, the way the light catches on the surface? Was it a nostalgic impulse, a longing for a simpler way of life? There's a quiet intimacy here, a sense of reverence for the handmade. The green swirls create a visual rhythm, guiding the eye around the object. They remind me of folk art traditions, and the way patterns can carry cultural meaning. It’s as though Brown is honouring the artistry of everyday objects, elevating the mundane to something worthy of contemplation. Artists are magpies, always looking at one another's work!