Pitcher c. 1936

Curator: Before us, we have John Tarantino's "Pitcher," a watercolor drawing created around 1936. Editor: My initial reaction is tranquility. The cool blue washes, the way light seems to bend through this glass... It's visually calming. It evokes that clear summer morning light reflecting off a surface. Curator: That's interesting, because during the 1930s, many American artists focused on the everyday, celebrating functional objects in an attempt to revitalize national spirits amidst the Depression. Do you think this piece functions within that narrative? Editor: I would suggest this drawing is purely a study in form. Look at the careful gradations of colour, mimicking the reflective properties of the glass itself. Notice also that Tarantino offers a secondary, enlarged detail of a portion of the pitcher that he thought needed additional observation. This isn't simply representation; it’s an exploration of how light and shadow interact to define shape and depth. Curator: And how might this relate to its presentation then? Was the decision to depict it alone on the page, as a kind of study, driven by artistic considerations or by societal conditions influencing how objects were valued and depicted in art? What was Tarantino saying about functional items? Editor: It's the simplicity and lack of extraneous detail that captivates. If he was influenced by a desire to uplift, that certainly took an analytical, perhaps even spiritual direction, looking toward formal perfection for its own reward. See how the light plays upon the curves, emphasizing that elegant silhouette? The repetition of those small finials creates a lovely rhythm that complements the simple rounded shapes of the pitcher’s body and base. Curator: I see how Tarantino uses color to emphasize depth and transparency while also highlighting the artistry of glassware as functional and beautiful object. We're reminded that in times of hardship, finding beauty in simplicity was vital, reflecting resilience and optimism. Editor: Exactly. We are left with a sense of the distilled essence of form and light captured through meticulous observation. This isn't just a pitcher; it’s an exercise in visual harmony, in his choice to isolate a perfect curve, shadow, and edge.