Cruet by John Dana

Cruet c. 1936

0:00
0:00

drawing

# 

drawing

# 

caricature

# 

academic-art

# 

watercolor

Dimensions: overall: 29.8 x 23.4 cm (11 3/4 x 9 3/16 in.)

Copyright: National Gallery of Art: CC0 1.0

John Dana, who lived a long life of 100 years, made this painting of a Cruet, sometime during his life, but we're not sure exactly when. This cruet is rendered in deep, glossy blues, built up with layers of color that give it a real sense of depth and presence, like it's lit from within. I can see the artist studying it carefully, trying to capture its essence on paper. The vertical lines create a subtle rhythm, and the handle with its delicate flourishes, almost looks like it’s dancing. I think the colour gives the artwork its emotional charge – it feels both regal and serene, like a still moment captured from a dream. It speaks to the way artists are always looking, responding, and transforming the world around them into something new.

Show more

Comments

No comments

Be the first to comment and join the conversation on the ultimate creative platform.