Decanter c. 1937

Editor: Here we have John Dana’s “Decanter,” made around 1937 with pencil on paper. It’s surprisingly captivating for what seems like just a sketch of a bottle, kind of gives off an eerie vibe. What do you see in this piece? Curator: On the surface, it's a beautiful study of light and form, a demonstration of realist skill. But I wonder if we can push beyond the formal qualities. What does it mean to represent a vessel so explicitly associated with alcohol consumption, especially during the late Depression era when anxieties surrounding class, escape, and even morality were high? Editor: I never thought about it that way! So, the simple act of drawing a brandy decanter can be seen as…political? Curator: Potentially. Objects never exist in a vacuum. Consider the historical moment. Was Dana celebrating access and abundance during scarcity, or perhaps critiquing the escapism that alcohol provided? It is, after all, a luxury item in the midst of widespread economic hardship. Who has access to "Brandy," and what does that symbolize? Editor: It makes you wonder if there’s a message hidden beneath the surface. Is Dana trying to make us think about who gets to enjoy these luxuries? Curator: Precisely. And further, what are the gendered implications? In this era, alcohol consumption, especially in domestic settings, can be linked to historical inequalities and even abuse. Editor: Wow, you’ve given me a lot to think about. I will never look at still life the same way again. Curator: Art invites questions, not just pretty pictures! Hopefully, we can continue looking critically at these narratives.