Toleware Slop Pail 1935 - 1942

John H. Tercuzzi made this watercolor painting of a toleware slop pail sometime in the 20th century. Can you imagine him carefully capturing every detail, from the metallic sheen of the rim to the delicate floral arrangement painted on the side? I wonder what Tercuzzi was thinking as he rendered this everyday object with such care. Was he drawn to the juxtaposition of the pail’s utilitarian function with the ornate decoration? The way the peach color swirls around the rim and base, contrasted against the pale blue, it’s really a gorgeous thing! The little handles give it real personality, don't they? Tercuzzi seems to be saying that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. I love how painting can open up these conversations about the work of others, inspiring new ways of seeing.