Pitcher 1938

Francis Law Durand, who lived from 1855 to 1995, made this pitcher. It's hard to say when, but it’s giving me the feeling of an observational study, maybe even practice. The earthy browns and tans speak to a simple, utilitarian object, and I can almost feel the coolness of the clay. The surface isn’t labored over. Instead, the subtle gradations of tone and simple rendering of form evoke the three-dimensionality of the pitcher. There’s a certain honesty to the application of paint. The way the artist uses shading to suggest form is interesting – see how the light catches the curve of the handle? It's a simple but effective technique, reminding me of early Cézanne. While Durand might not be a household name, his careful attention to detail in this piece reminds us that beauty can be found in the everyday. It’s like a quiet conversation between the artist, the object, and us.