Occasional Table c. 1938

Michael Riccitelli made this ‘Occasional Table’ sometime between 1855 and 1995 with what looks like watercolour on paper. The limited palette and delicate touch feels kind of tentative, as if he’s feeling his way into the subject. The thing that really grabs me is the way he’s rendered the wood grain. It’s not just about replicating what he sees but almost feeling the material, describing it with these gentle strokes. You can almost feel the smoothness of the wood, the subtle variations in tone. It’s this kind of attention to detail that makes the piece so engaging. There’s a real sense of care and consideration in the way he’s approached the subject. It reminds me a little of some of the Shaker drawings, with that same emphasis on simplicity and functionality. It feels like an invitation to slow down, take a breath, and appreciate the beauty of everyday objects. It’s like Riccitelli is saying, look, even a humble table can be a source of wonder if you really take the time to see it.