Pitcher c. 1940

Van Silvay rendered this image of a pitcher in watercolor and graphite, a testament to the enduring allure of everyday objects. Silvay was active during a period of immense social and technological transformation. The image invites us to consider the role of domestic objects in shaping identity, particularly in the private sphere. The pitcher, often associated with serving and nurturing, raises questions about gender roles and the labor of care. It's interesting to consider the historical context, where the act of pouring and serving was often gendered. Silvay’s choice to depict a seemingly mundane object elevates it to a subject of artistic contemplation. “Art,” he seems to suggest, “is everywhere, in the most unassuming of forms.” This artwork provides a glimpse into the intersection of daily life and artistic expression.