Spice Jar c. 1937

John Matulis's "Spice Jar" (c. 1937) is a still life painting depicting a simple brown ceramic jar with a rounded body and a narrow neck. The jar is decorated with a stylized script design, most likely the initials of the jar's original owner, and a series of wavy lines. The meticulous detail in the rendering of the jar’s texture, as well as the way the light catches the glazed surface, exemplifies Matulis's skill as a representational painter. This piece serves as a testament to the beauty found in everyday objects and the art of creating detailed visual records of the commonplace.