Wine Jug c. 1939

This is a drawing of a wine jug, made by Fritz Boehmer. We can see the care taken in depicting the material qualities of the jug itself, probably earthenware. Consider the full process that such a vessel would require: first, the clay being carefully prepared, then formed on a wheel, and finally fired in a kiln. Think of the tradition of pottery-making, often a communal activity, passed down through generations. Here, Boehmer has emphasized the jug's volume and weight. The decorative pattern of grapes and leaves, incised into the surface, shows a sensitivity to the material. The dark blue accentuates the design. It's easy to overlook the significance of everyday objects like this, but in their making, we find histories of skill, labor, and culture. This drawing invites us to appreciate the beauty inherent in craft, blurring the lines between the functional and the artistic.