Jug c. 1937

Yolande Delasser created this watercolor, titled "Jug", sometime in the 20th century. The image represents a stoneware jug, a common household item in 19th-century America. These jugs, often used for storing liquids, were a staple in homes and businesses alike. Delasser's choice to depict this utilitarian object elevates it to a subject worthy of artistic attention. The jug's inscription, "Commeraw Stoneware, Corlears Hook, N. York," locates it within a specific historical and geographical context. Corlears Hook, a neighborhood in New York City, was known for its maritime activities and artisanal production. The Commeraw family operated a pottery in this area, producing stoneware items that were widely distributed. By carefully rendering the jug's form and details, Delasser invites us to consider the social and economic forces that shaped its creation and use. The study of historical records, such as census data, business directories, and archaeological findings, can further illuminate the jug's significance within the broader context of American material culture.