Batter Jar c. 1936

Fred Weiss created this gouache painting of a Batter Jar, sometime between 1855 and 1995. The composition is dominated by two vessels, rendered in muted blues and greys against a neutral backdrop, evoking a sense of stillness. Each vessel mirrors the other, one featuring handles and a spout. They are both subtly decorated with painted swirls and the date 1790. Weiss's choice of gouache allows for a flat, opaque texture that emphasizes the solid form of the jars. This invites us to consider how materiality informs meaning; the pottery's utilitarian function contrasted against its decorative embellishments. Weiss seems interested in exploring the semiotic relationship between form and function, challenging traditional notions of artistic value and representation. Notice how Weiss uses subtle variations in tone and shading to create depth, hinting at the complex interplay between representation and abstraction. It reminds us that art exists within an ongoing dialogue, constantly re-evaluating its own structures and meanings.