Asthma Jar c. 1938

"Asthma Jar" is a watercolor on paper by American artist Richard Barnett, created around 1938. The artwork depicts a single, detailed still life of a traditional ceramic asthma jar, a vessel used to hold remedies for respiratory ailments. The jar's rounded form and dark brown glaze are rendered with meticulous precision, highlighting the artistry of the object itself. The simple composition and careful rendering of the jar create a contemplative mood, reflecting a period interest in folk crafts and traditional medicine.