Copper Vat c. 1940

This is Edward Jewett's 'Copper Vat,' made with what looks like watercolor or gouache on paper. The surface of the vat is brought to life through this network of tiny dabs and strokes. You get the sense that Jewett wasn't just copying what he saw, but building the form through a kind of repetitive, almost meditative process. Up close, you can almost feel the texture of the copper – the way light would catch on each little dimple. Look at the gradient of color, from the brighter, almost glowing tones at the top to the shadows underneath, which gives it weight and volume. The grey metal handles add a cool contrast to the warmth of the copper. The subtle shifts in color feel a little like Morandi. Jewett transforms an ordinary object into something quietly mesmerizing, reminding us that beauty can be found in the everyday.