Jug c. 1937

Charles Caseau made this drawing of a jug, and well, it is what it is. See how Caseau simplifies the jug's form with these bold, economical lines? The starkness almost makes it feel like an architectural blueprint, but then those whimsical blue strokes come in. They're like little whispers of nature, reminding us that even the most functional objects can carry a touch of poetry. And the materiality – that cream-colored paper! It’s got this warm, almost nostalgic vibe, like an old photograph. The blue paint isn't trying to trick you, it’s thin, honest, and sitting right there on the surface. I'm reminded of Josef Albers and his engagement with utilitarian objects. But instead of Albers clean lines, Caseau leaves room for the accidental. It’s a simple drawing, but it invites us to see the beauty in the everyday.