Jug 1935 - 1942

John Dana’s ‘Jug’ is an intriguing artwork, its medium seems to be watercolour and pencil on paper. Dana’s approach to rendering is fascinating, I wonder, did he start with the lines or the wash? There’s a certain fluidity in the way he builds up the form, but the dark outlines feel graphic and solid. This contrast between the soft gradations of tone and the firm lines makes the image strangely compelling. I’m drawn to the surface of the jug itself. The subtle variations in color create a sense of depth and volume. The texture seems smooth, and the way the light catches it suggests a kind of quiet stillness. See how the paint is applied in thin, transparent layers? It's as if Dana wanted to reveal the process, to allow the layers to peek through. This piece reminds me of Giorgio Morandi’s still lifes, although Dana’s version feels more direct. Both artists were able to find profound beauty in the mundane, turning everyday objects into something monumental. Art is an ongoing conversation, a series of echoes and responses across time.