Decanter c. 1936

John Tarantino created this watercolor of a decanter sometime in the 20th century. At first glance, it may seem a simple rendering of a domestic object. Yet, the image operates within a rich history of commercial design and artistic representation. The early to mid-20th century was a booming time for industrial design, and this work likely functioned as a study for mass production. Note how the clean lines and geometric form of the decanter reflect the streamlined aesthetic of the Machine Age. The object sits starkly against the page, emphasizing its ideal form. The cool blue hue evokes a sense of luxury and refinement, qualities that would have appealed to consumers. To fully understand this work, one might delve into archives of design firms of the period. Through examining similar design drawings, we can gain a better understanding of the relationship between art, industry, and the marketplace. By considering the social conditions that shaped artistic production, we can better understand the significance of even the simplest images.