Pitcher 1938

Editor: Here we have Frank Fumagalli’s "Pitcher" from 1938, rendered in watercolor and drawing. There's a kind of quiet realism to it; it feels like a simple, everyday object elevated through close observation. What can you tell me about this seemingly straightforward piece? Curator: It's intriguing how an object so utilitarian can carry cultural weight. Given the period, 1938, think about the Dust Bowl, the WPA's focus on documenting American life... How might a simple pitcher participate in that visual rhetoric? What purpose could these images have had during the great depression and leading up to world war 2? Editor: It’s interesting to think of it in terms of documentation. Perhaps it was about celebrating American craftsmanship, something tangible and enduring during times of economic hardship. Was there an increased appreciation for Realism and the working class then? Curator: Exactly. Realism flourished, often fueled by government programs employing artists. They sought to depict the "American Scene," often with a focus on ordinary objects, regional identity, and working-class life. Fumagalli, by focusing on a humble pitcher, might be engaging in this very trend. What impact does the use of watercolor contribute to our understanding of the artists intended purpose? Editor: I see how the fragility and impermanence of watercolor contrast with the solid form of the pitcher, giving the scene an intimate tone. It evokes a sense of longing for stability. I suppose I didn't immediately connect it to these complex socio-political undercurrents. Curator: Art rarely exists in a vacuum. Considering its historical context deepens our engagement with even the simplest images, showing us how they, too, played a part in wider social and political narratives. I will always remember to ask what these seemingly straightforward drawings communicated about this crucial historical turning point.