Pitcher c. 1939

Samuel O. Klein made this drawing of a pitcher with colored pencil on paper. The faceted sides of this pitcher create an interesting effect with the light; I get the sense that Klein approached it with the intention of capturing light and shadow as a process of art making. The texture feels smooth, almost like polished metal or glazed ceramic, yet the colored pencil lines are visible, adding a layer of tactile depth. Klein has chosen a warm palette of browns and yellows. The details along the top rim have been rendered with intricate white embellishments which break up the metallic surface. I love the way Klein has handled the spout and handle, almost tracing them with a darker outline, giving the pitcher a clear sense of form, while adding a kind of diagrammatic element. It reminds me of the work of Giorgio Morandi, who spent his life painting bottles and vases, exploring the subtleties of light, shape, and form through repetition and careful observation. Like Morandi, Klein invites us to appreciate the beauty of everyday objects. He also reminds us that art is an ongoing conversation across time, always open to new interpretations.