Pitcher c. 1938

Edward Unger made this small watercolor, Pitcher, sometime during his long life. There's a simplicity in the muted, earthy tones that speaks to the everyday object he's chosen to depict. It’s like he's finding beauty in the mundane. Looking closely, you can see the delicate washes of color, how Unger builds up the form of the pitcher with subtle variations in shade. The paint is thin, almost transparent, allowing the paper's texture to peek through. I love the little blue marks at the bottom, which are quite unexpected given the russet colour palette. It adds a touch of the unexpected. The way he's rendered the handle, with its slight curve and subtle shadows, gives it a real sense of volume. Maybe Unger was looking at Morandi’s still lifes? There is a similar interest in making a humble pot or vase become monumental and profound. It reminds us that art is an ongoing conversation, always echoing and responding to what's come before.