Pa. German Jar c. 1937

This watercolor on paper depicts a Pa. German Jar, and was made by William L. Antrim, sometime before he passed away in 1995. Imagine Antrim’s hand moving across the paper, carefully layering earth-tone washes to create a rich, aged surface. The jar itself is rendered with such detail, that you feel like you could reach out and touch its rough, time-worn exterior. The reddish-brown hues and intricate black line-work are not just descriptive; they evoke a sense of history and craftsmanship. I wonder if Antrim ever made pottery himself? The artist’s eye seems to be drawn to what is most interesting about the jar – its decoration! The running deer and stylized tulips, are rendered with such care. It feels like Antrim is breathing new life into an old form, reminding us of the enduring beauty and simplicity of folk art. This piece sits comfortably within the tradition of celebrating everyday objects, seen through the eyes of artists like Morandi or, heck, even Warhol. We are all in conversation, after all.