Pitcher c. 1936

Frances Lichten made this watercolor painting of a pitcher sometime in the 20th century, and the delicate washes and careful lines suggest a real tenderness towards the subject. Looking at the pitcher, you can see how Lichten builds up the form with thin layers of color, letting the white of the paper shine through. The golden flourishes and tiny blue flowers are so carefully rendered, with this gentle and precise hand, and together they create an effect that is almost dreamlike. The little gold rim catches the light, contrasting with the cooler grays of the body. The painting is so transparent, so delicate. It’s like Lichten is trying to capture not just the object, but also the feeling of light on its surface. It reminds me of some of Morandi's still life paintings, where everyday objects become these quiet, meditative subjects. In both cases, they show us how much beauty there is to be found in the simplest of things. Ultimately, art is always a conversation, and Lichten's painting speaks volumes about the beauty of observation and the quiet power of everyday objects.