Antependium of Altar 1937

This watercolor Antependium of Altar was made by Edward Jewett, who lived from 1855 to 1995. It’s a design featuring pale pink stripes, and diamonds filled with posies. I love the intimacy of watercolor, I can imagine Jewett bending over a table, carefully considering each stripe, each flower. The palette is so gentle, the coral pinks are like a faded memory of something brighter. It reminds me of the work of Charles Demuth, that same attention to detail and quietness of tone. The repetition of the floral motif is pleasing, but I am especially drawn to the differences in each diamond, the variations in the bouquets. I see a conversation between the artist and the medium, a willingness to let the watercolor do its thing. It’s a subtle dance between control and chance, and I find that incredibly moving. It feels like a soft breeze, carrying whispers of color and form.