Water or Cider Jug

Art Historical Context

**Water or Cider Jug** *Nicholas Amantea, c. 1939* Watercolor and graphite on paperboard, 58.1 × 45.5 cm (22⅞ × 17¹⁵⁄₁₆ in.); original object: 52.1 cm (20½ in.) high, 27.9 cm (11 in.) dia. (base) *Index of American Design, National Gallery of Art* This vibrant rendering by Nicholas Amantea captures the elegance of a traditional American water or cider jug, staple of everyday life in early American households. Created around 1939, the artwork meticulously depicts the jug's sturdy form—standing about 20½ inches tall with an 11-inch base diameter—highlighting its practical design for pouring liquids like water or cider. Amantea, a skilled illustrator, used watercolor and graphite on paperboard to convey the object's subtle textures, curves, and functionality, bringing a folk craft object to life with precise, almost photographic detail. As part of the *Index of American Design* (IAD), a groundbreaking Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (1935–1942), this piece served a vital cultural mission. During the Great Depression, artists like Amantea documented thousands of American-made objects—from tools to decorative arts—to celebrate the nation's design heritage and craftsmanship. The IAD preserved visual records of regional folk traditions, often rooted in 18th- and 19th-century pottery or stoneware, ensuring these utilitarian treasures weren't lost to time. Today, Amantea's jug exemplifies how ordinary items embodied American ingenuity and self-reliance. Visitors can appreciate its artistic technique—layered watercolors for depth and graphite for fine lines—while reflecting on the IAD's role in fostering national pride through art. A testament to enduring simplicity! (218 words)

About the Artist

Nicholas Amantea · 1900–1978

Nicholas Amantea (1900–1978) was an American artist born on July 13, 1900, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His early life and artistic training are not well documented, but by the mid-1930s, he had established himself in New York City, where he contributed significantly to federal art initiatives during the Great Depression. From March 13, 1936, to July 15, 1942, Amantea worked for the Works Progress...