Mantel Carving
Medium
watercolor and graphite on paperboard
Dimensions
overall: 38.3 x 55.9 cm (15 1/16 x 22 in.) Original IAD Object: 8" approx.
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.12784
Art Historical Context
**Mantel Carving**1939) is a delicate watercolor and graphite rendering by artist Michael Riccitelli, the intricate details of an American mantel carving. Measuring 38.3 x 55.9 cm (15 1/16 x 22 in.), this work on paperboard depicts an original object approximately 8 inches in, showcasing Riccitelli's skill in translating three-dimensional craftsmanship into a vibrant, two-dimensional study. The combination of watercolor's soft luminosity and graphite's precise lines highlights the carving's textures and ornamental motifs, making the everyday architectural element come alive on the page. Creat...
About the Artist
Michael Riccitelli
**Michael Riccitelli** (American, active c. 1935) was a skilled draftsman whose precise watercolor renderings captured the essence of American folk art during the Great Depression era. Little is known about his early life or formal training, as biographical details remain scarce. He gained prominence through his contributions to the Index of American Design (IAD), a Works Progress Administration (...