Jar c. 1936

Editor: Here we have Charles Caseau's "Jar," circa 1936, seemingly rendered in watercolor. It gives off such a nostalgic vibe, almost like peering into someone’s forgotten memory. What do you make of it? Curator: Nostalgia is a great starting point! I'm immediately drawn to the humble elegance of it, that interplay of folk art and precision. It reminds me of those cherished kitchen staples— stoneware passed down through generations. But, more than that, it makes me wonder: what did this jar *hold*? Preserves? Secrets? Does the presence of the birds and the “A.M. Herbert” inscription tell us something specific? Editor: I didn't even think about the inscription! And you’re right, it makes you question its purpose. So, the birds…are they symbolic do you think? Curator: Perhaps. Birds often signify freedom, connection to nature… or are they simply decorative, reflecting the artisan's appreciation for the world around them? Maybe it was painted to show how beautiful the most ordinary, utilitarian objects are in our lives? How useful they are and easy to take for granted. What feeling does the realism bring to you, especially with watercolor, a difficult medium? Editor: Well, that the artist really took his time with it and must’ve cared deeply about his subject to commit it to canvas…or paper? Curator: I agree entirely. Caseau captured that simple essence beautifully and it is now suspended in time and preserved for us all to enjoy! And, in looking, we participate in that preservation. Editor: It definitely makes you appreciate the everyday objects and the artistry hidden in the mundane. Curator: Absolutely, and that's a lesson I think we can all carry with us. It has given me pause, indeed.