Mortar and Pestle c. 1937

"Mortar and Pestle," a watercolor by Wellington Blewett, is a meticulous depiction of a simple wooden kitchen tool. Created in 1937, the work showcases Blewett’s talent for capturing the texture and form of everyday objects. The artwork’s composition is striking, with the mortar and pestle presented in a minimalist and direct manner, highlighting the utilitarian beauty of the objects. The use of subtle shading and detail in the wood grain adds to the sense of realism and invites the viewer to appreciate the simple yet essential qualities of these tools. The piece, measuring 41.4 x 32.9 cm, speaks to Blewett’s interest in the aesthetics of everyday objects, a theme present throughout his artistic career. The watercolor's simple, yet elegant composition makes it a fascinating example of still-life art from the early 20th century.