Artwork preview

Water cooler

Richard Franklin (Polk) Bell

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The artwork, titled "Water Cooler," by Richard Franklin (Polk) Bell, features a ceramic vase or jug with a wide base that tapers slightly towards the top. The object has a small opening at the top, resembling a spout. Two handles protrude from either side, each shaped like a curved animal's head and neck. The surface is adorned with numerous small bumps and blue streaks of glaze. A small human figure sits atop the object, positioned behind the spout. The background of the image is gray, transitioning to white at the bottom.

Artwork details

Date:
1870–90
Medium:
Stoneware
Culture:
American
Dimensions:
599 × 607 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette