Jar c. 1937

Editor: So, we're looking at a watercolor and possibly coloured pencil drawing called "Jar," created around 1937 by John Tarantino. It’s painted on paper, depicting a floral design you might see on pottery. It feels very preliminary, like a design sketch almost. What catches your eye about this piece? Curator: It’s interesting to see this design on paper, seemingly before it made its way to the ceramic object. Given its historical context in the late 1930s, I am drawn to considering the role of regional potteries and the artistic process behind their decoration during that era. How do you see this piece fitting within the broader socio-economic landscape of the time? Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't fully considered! Thinking about the socio-economic context, perhaps this was part of a larger effort to promote or preserve regional craftsmanship during the Depression. Curator: Precisely. The decorative arts often served a very public role, embodying cultural values and contributing to regional identities. Looking at the piece itself, does the way the floral design is presented suggest anything about the intended consumer or the function of the pottery it would adorn? Editor: The simplicity of the design, the rustic charm… it makes me think of everyday, utilitarian objects. Pieces not meant for display, but for practical use in a home. Curator: Yes, and this evokes certain class associations and aesthetic values. Consider how the accessibility and perceived "authenticity" of such designs might have appealed to consumers during that period. Does that alter how you respond to this piece now? Editor: It definitely gives it more depth. What I initially saw as a simple sketch, I now understand could be a reflection of the values and needs of a specific time and place. Curator: Exactly! It reminds us that even seemingly minor pieces like this offer insights into the bigger picture.