Oil Can c. 1939

Here we see Leslie Macklem's painting of an oil can. This object, rendered with careful detail, speaks to the rise of industry. At first glance, it is a simple, functional container, but consider how such mundane objects gain a new dimension when placed under artistic scrutiny. The oil can, in its essence, is a vessel, akin to ancient amphorae holding precious liquids. The can's spout, directing the flow of oil, echoes the cornucopia, a symbol of abundance and nourishment. Yet, here, the nourishing element is not milk or grain, but oil, the lifeblood of machines. Consider the cyclical nature of the can itself. The cylindrical shape, repeated in its design, evokes the eternal circle, a motif found across cultures. This unassuming container, therefore, transcends its industrial purpose, becoming a symbol of progress, utility, and the human drive to harness and control resources.