Comb c. 1937

John H. Tercuzzi made this watercolor painting of a comb at an unknown date. The choice to depict such a commonplace object raises questions about the status of art and its relationship to everyday life. Focusing on a utilitarian object like a comb challenges traditional hierarchies within the art world. Historically, fine art has often been associated with representations of wealth, power, or beauty. By contrast, this comb is a humble object, accessible to a wide range of people regardless of their social class. Tercuzzi invites us to find aesthetic value in the mundane. To fully understand Tercuzzi's intentions, we might delve into the artistic and cultural climate of his time, especially in relation to the Arts and Crafts movement. We would also look at the exhibition history of the time. Considering such factors allows us to move beyond mere appreciation of form and technique, arriving instead at a richer understanding of art as a product of social and institutional forces.