Pitcher 1936

Editor: So here we have a drawing called “Pitcher,” created in 1936 using pencil. There's a quiet elegance to it. What's your read on this seemingly simple object rendered in such detail? Curator: You know, sometimes the quietest pieces whisper the loudest. What I see is an exercise in light and shadow, isn't it? Watch how the artist coaxes out form and reflection with what I can only assume are well-loved pencils. Makes you wonder what water, what juice it might have held, what light graced it just so. What strikes you most about the technique? Editor: The shading, definitely. It almost gives the metal or glass of the pitcher an ephemeral quality. It’s quite different from the other realist drawings we’ve covered so far. I guess I am also wondering why a pitcher? Was the artist studying form or just killing time? Curator: Oh, killing time is just making time your own, darling. Maybe they were chasing a memory? And in terms of “why a pitcher,” artists often imbue mundane objects with deeper meaning, don't they? Do you see anything reminiscent of art deco with it, by any chance? What is striking to me, here, is the artist rendering such care to their craft. A simple object becoming rather special with focused, close observation. Editor: You know, I think I do see that Art Deco reference that you mention. Well, this makes you appreciate even an image of a pitcher a bit more, huh? I might have to try my hand at drawing mine. Curator: Ah! Give an old pitcher new life with charcoal or a little watercolour of your own? I cannot wait to see it, if you do! I feel newly curious about the beauty in everyday objects!