Jug 1937

Yolande Delasser created this watercolor and graphite study of a jug. The work’s emphasis on stoneware, a humble material, immediately invites us to consider the cultural status of useful objects. Delasser’s choice of watercolor, typically associated with sketches and preparatory work, further emphasizes the study aspect of the drawing. Notice the way the artist meticulously renders the form and floral decoration of the jug. The floral motif itself, common in both fine art and decorative arts, challenges traditional hierarchies. By carefully documenting this everyday object, Delasser elevates it to a subject worthy of artistic attention. In doing so, she prompts us to consider the value and artistry present in utilitarian items and the labor involved in their creation, and encourages us to question what we consider worthy of artistic representation.