Potato Kettle c. 1937

Harry Jennings created this drawing of a 'Potato Kettle' using graphite on paper. The kettle, centered in the composition, is rendered with subtle gradations of tone, giving it volume and a tactile presence. The texture, built from methodical strokes, invites us to consider the object's material reality. Jennings’ artistic approach can be interpreted through the lens of formalism, where the subject matter becomes secondary to the way the artist manipulates form, line, and tone. The kettle, a humble object, is elevated through Jennings’ meticulous rendering, demanding that we consider the interplay between representation and abstraction. This approach, with its emphasis on the intrinsic qualities of the artwork, challenges the viewer to find meaning not just in what is depicted, but in how it is depicted. Through a formalist reading, the drawing of the kettle transcends its utilitarian function. Instead, it becomes a meditation on form, texture, and the artistic process itself.