Jar c. 1938

This neutral-toned jar with blue embellishments was painted by John Tarantino, though the date is not known. I see him working meticulously, patiently layering the pigment to bring the humble object to life. The jar’s swelling form dominates the composition. The thick rim and sturdy handles suggest practicality, while the painted floral motif hints at something more decorative. I imagine Tarantino considering the play of light on its rounded surface, how the colour shifts and settles into subtle gradations. Look at how the earthy browns and beiges evoke a sense of the material itself, the cool clay pulled from the earth and baked in a kiln. There’s a quiet intimacy here, a reverence for the everyday. I see echoes of Giorgio Morandi's still lifes, or even Agnes Martin’s muted palette. It's a reminder that artists are always looking, learning, and translating the world through their own unique vision.