Mourning Ring 1935 - 1942

John H. Tercuzzi made this delicate study of a mourning ring, likely with watercolor, at an undetermined date. Look closely, and you’ll see how the gold of the ring isn’t a flat wash, but built up with tiny strokes to give it a shimmer, just as it would in life. The neutral background allows the ring to float on the page. It’s shown from three angles. This isn’t just documentation; it's an exploration of form. See how Tercuzzi captures the subtle play of light on the pearls surrounding the ring's face? There's a real tenderness in the rendering. The tiny marks almost become a kind of personal meditation. It reminds me a little of the work of Vija Celmins, who also finds something profound in the observation of everyday objects. Tercuzzi invites us to contemplate the ring as both a symbol of loss and a testament to enduring beauty. The piece reminds us that art is all about process and looking, rather than any fixed meaning.