Comb

Art Historical Context

Behold the intricate *Comb*, a captivating watercolor, graphite, and pen-and-ink rendering by John H. Tercuzzi, created around 1939. Measuring 36.7 x 28.7 cm, this work meticulously captures the form and ornamentation of an everyday American object transformed into art. Tercuzzi's skilled hand brings to life the comb's delicate lines and textures, blending fine pen work for precision with soft watercolor washes for depth and graphite for subtle shading. This piece is a gem from the Index of American Design (IAD), a landmark WPA Federal Art Project from the 1930s and 1940s. Amid the Great Depression, artists like Tercuzzi documented everyday American crafts—folk art, tools, and utensils—to celebrate and preserve the nation's cultural heritage. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W department, it exemplifies how the IAD elevated utilitarian designs, highlighting regional craftsmanship and historical motifs. The mixed media technique underscores the IAD's goal of hyper-realistic accuracy, making the comb feel tangible and alive. Today, it invites us to appreciate the artistry in the ordinary, reminding visitors of America's rich design legacy.

About the Artist

John H. Tercuzzi · 1855–present

John H. Tercuzzi was an American artist active during the late 1930s and early 1940s, best known for his contributions to the Index of American Design, a Federal Art Project initiative under the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This ambitious endeavor commissioned artists to document everyday American objects—from folk crafts and tools to decorative household items—through meticulous watercolo...