Saucer

Art Historical Context

This watercolor, graphite, and pen-and-ink rendering of a saucer was created around 1937 by Joseph Sudek. Measuring 30 by 23.2 centimeters, the drawing enlarges a tiny original object just 1 inch by 4 5/8 inches, allowing close study of its shape, surface, and any decorative details. The mixed-media approach—fluid watercolor for color and modeling, graphite and ink for crisp lines and texture—produces a precise, almost photographic record of the piece. The work belongs to the Index of American Design, a major collection at the National Gallery of Art devoted to documenting American decorative arts. These carefully executed illustrations served as a visual archive of everyday objects and craft traditions, preserving their appearance for study long after the originals might be lost or damaged. Sudek’s drawing exemplifies the high standard of accuracy and artistry that characterized the Index. By treating a humble saucer with such attention, it invites viewers to appreciate the quiet beauty and skilled workmanship found in ordinary American household items of the past.

About the Artist

Joseph Sudek

Josef Sudek (1896–1976) was a Czech photographer widely regarded as one of the greatest photographers of the twentieth century, known for his poetic, intimate images of Prague and his mastery of light. Born in Kolín, Bohemia, he lost his right arm during World War I and turned to photography during his convalescence, studying at the State School of Graphic Arts in Prague from 1922 to 1924. Sudek ...