High Chair 1938

Michael Riccitelli made this 'High Chair' sometime in the 20th century, giving us a slice of ordinary domestic life. It is painted using a limited palette, with dark browns, blacks, and grays dominating the composition on a lighter background. I imagine Riccitelli carefully constructing the image, stroke by stroke. There is a sense of care taken in rendering the chair's form and details, a fascination with the object, the way it appears in space, or how light hits it. When you look at a painting like this, you are reminded that painting is hard work, and this artist cares. This piece has a kinship with the work of other artists, particularly those who focus on everyday objects, like Wayne Thiebaud. It reminds us that all artists are in conversation with those who came before, inspiring each other to see the world in new ways. Paintings are always in conversation with each other and with us, inviting us to linger in the space between intention and interpretation.