Flat Iron Stand c. 1939

John Petrucci's "Flat Iron Stand" (c. 1939) is a meticulous watercolor depiction of a simple, everyday object. The stand's three bent metal legs, rendered in earthy tones, occupy a central position on a pale background, drawing attention to the subject's form and texture. Petrucci's approach to still life exemplifies precision and detail, highlighting the inherent beauty in the commonplace. His work, often focusing on utilitarian objects, reflects the artistic movement known as Realism, which sought to represent the world truthfully and objectively.