Crock c. 1940

"Crock" is a c. 1940s drawing by American artist John Tarantino (1855-1995). The artwork depicts a stylized blue bird perched on a branch, rendered in a simplified, almost cartoon-like style. The composition is centered on the crock, which is rendered in outline, with a simple inscription reading "West Troy N.Y./Factory 2." This drawing offers a glimpse into the decorative arts of the early 20th century, showcasing a typical design for a ceramic crock popular at the time. The simplicity of the design and the inclusion of the factory information suggest the artwork was intended for commercial purposes, possibly as a design for a production line.