Mug c. 1936

Nicholas Amantea made this drawing of a mug, we don't know when, using what looks like graphite and watercolor. It’s a simple subject, but the way he’s handled the materials gives it a real depth. Look at the mug. Amantea creates form with careful, parallel strokes, almost like he's building up layers of clay. There's a real tenderness to the way he renders the subtle shifts in tone and texture. See that small patch of light on the right side? It's not just about representation; it’s about the act of seeing and recording. The materiality is evident, the layering of washes, the soft blending. It’s humble, but it’s also deeply felt. It reminds me of Giorgio Morandi's still lifes, that same quiet contemplation. It’s a reminder that art is about paying attention and about finding beauty in the everyday. It’s about the ongoing conversation between artists and their subjects.