Measure Cup c. 1940

Charles Henning made this watercolor of a humble "Measure Cup," sometime between 1855 and 1995, the years of his life. The cup itself is a plain object, but Henning elevates it through careful rendering. Its vibrant red surface and decorative motifs suggest a celebration of everyday life. One might consider this work in the context of the Arts and Crafts movement, which rejected industrialization, advocating for a return to traditional craftsmanship and the beauty of functional objects. Henning, or perhaps the institutions with which he engaged, asks us to consider the aesthetic value inherent in the mundane. By placing it within the realm of art, he prompts us to reconsider our relationship to the objects that surround us. To understand this work further, one might delve into the history of American folk art, the cultural values of the late 19th and 20th centuries, and the role of art institutions in shaping our perceptions of beauty and value.