Crock c. 1938

Nicholas Amantea rendered this drawing of a crock, with graphite and watercolor, in the early to mid-twentieth century. A muted palette of browns, whites and blues creates an unassuming composition, while the rough texture suggests a tactile encounter with the object. The visual organization is intriguing. Amantea does not simply depict the crock; he dissects it. We see the whole vessel, but also isolated studies of its handle and a decorative flower detail. This fragmentation invites us to consider the crock not just as a functional object but as a collection of distinct forms. Amantea's approach aligns with structuralist ideas, breaking down the whole into constituent parts to understand its underlying structure. The simple color scheme and composition emphasizes the aesthetic qualities of a utilitarian item. This elevates the ordinary into something worthy of artistic attention, questioning traditional hierarchies of value. The piece presents a visual analysis of form and utility, inviting ongoing interpretation of cultural objects and their place in our understanding of value and representation.