Pitcher c. 1936

This painting of a ‘Pitcher’ was made by John Tarantino, but we don’t know when, or with what, exactly. The brushstrokes are confident but not fussy, which makes me think of a painter who's got a clear idea but is happy to let the process guide them. The lines are loose, almost like scribbles, creating a sense of movement and energy. There’s something very satisfying about the way Tarantino’s captured the light on the surface of the pitcher. The dark colour feels deep and almost glassy, contrasting with the creamy background, so it’s like the pitcher is emerging from the paper. For me, the handle is what really makes this painting. The way it loops back on itself, forming a little swirl, adds a playful touch. It reminds me a little bit of the work of Giorgio Morandi, who also liked to paint these quiet, everyday objects with a real sense of care and attention. There’s an art to seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary, and Tarantino has done just that.