Capped Bottle c. 20th century

This Capped Bottle, by an anonymous artist, is in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The decoration on this clear glass bottle is really lovely; the mark-making feels intuitive, like the artist found a rhythm and just ran with it. I'm drawn to the little rows of dots. They remind me of the way Cy Twombly would build up a line, like he was dusting the surface of the canvas with color. Here, the dots have a similar effect, creating a sense of texture and depth on the smooth glass surface. The colors, too, are so charming – reds, yellows, blues, and greens that feel both bold and delicate at the same time. Look at how the brushstrokes vary, sometimes thick and opaque, sometimes thin and transparent, allowing the light to play through the glass. It's a testament to how much can be achieved with simple materials and a keen eye.