Creamer c. 1914

Grant Wood made this creamer out of silver. The objects have been arranged in such a way that the largest object sits at the back of the image, the arrangement of the silver glints throughout the picture plane creating a visual dance. Wood, better known for his paintings, brings a similar formal precision to this functional object. Notice how the smooth, reflective surfaces emphasize the form and lines of the creamer. The sleek, streamlined design, typical of the Art Deco movement, speaks to a desire for simplicity and modernity, with each curve and angle carefully considered. Consider how Wood uses light and shadow to define the volumes and shapes, turning everyday objects into studies of form. This creamer invites us to see the beauty in utility and the artistic potential of the mundane, prompting us to rethink the values attributed to different objects.