Jug 1935 - 1942

Charles Caseau made this image of a jug in watercolor, and it feels like such a tender act of observation. I love that he pairs the jug with an image of the jug itself, from Mantell and Thomas in Penn Yan. The watercolor feels thin, transparent, almost like a glaze, allowing the paper to breathe through. It's as if the jug’s essence is captured, rather than a perfect replica. The shadows pool at its base, anchoring it, while the rest of the jug seems to glow from within. Look at the way Caseau uses the blue-grey tones to suggest depth and form; it's subtle, understated. It reminds me a bit of Morandi's still lifes, but with a folksy charm all its own. This isn't just a jug; it's a vessel of memories, a quiet poem about everyday beauty, and an object lesson in how artists are always looking at and learning from other art.