Tumbler 1937

Ralph Atkinson painted this tumbler in watercolor. It’s like he's asking, "How many ways can I find to describe this glass?" The artist is playing with the contrast between the solid blue base of the glass and the intricate foliage pattern decorating the upper portion. The delicate gold rim adds a touch of luxury, framing the glass against the backdrop. There's a real sense of touch here. The layering of translucent color gives it such a luminous quality, as if light is both reflected and absorbed by the surface. The single contour line of the square behind the glass helps to flatten the form, so the glass and foliage are not necessarily in alignment. To me, this is not a definitive study of this piece of glassware but rather a set of playful propositions. It reminds me of the still life paintings of Giorgio Morandi with their quiet, meditative presence. It’s like the painting is encouraging us to pause, observe, and find beauty in the everyday.