Crock c. 1938

Nicholas Amantea made this artwork, Crock, with what seems to be watercolor, and maybe some pencil, on paper. The way the blues and browns blend gives the piece a soft, almost dreamy feel. It’s like Amantea wasn't just painting a crock but trying to capture the feeling of it, the history held in the clay, the slow turn of the potter’s wheel. Look at how the blue flowers are rendered. They are not hyper-realistic, but have a kind of tender, handmade quality. You can almost feel the brushstrokes, the slight wobble of the hand. The brown of the crock is beautifully modulated, suggesting both its weight and the light playing across its surface. It is a really thoughtful piece, and I think it shares some similarities with the paintings of Giorgio Morandi, both in its quietness and its focus on everyday objects. Ultimately, this painting isn't just about a crock; it's about seeing, feeling, and connecting with the world around us in a way that embraces imperfection and celebrates the beauty of the handmade.