Corner Cupboard c. 1941

Joseph Ficcadenti made this drawing of a corner cupboard at some point in the 20th century, using what looks like watercolor on paper. What’s interesting to me is the level of detail, the artist’s careful attention to the wood grain, and how that becomes its own abstract pattern. It's not just a representation of a cupboard; it's also a study in textures and tones. Look at the way Ficcadenti uses different shades of brown to create depth, or the small details like the heart carving at the top. These elements add a kind of visual tactility, almost making you want to reach out and touch it. There's a mark-making logic that is simple but satisfying. It’s like he’s not just drawing but also building the form with color. This piece reminds me a bit of the Shaker designs, with their emphasis on utility and form. It shares a similar straightforward approach to design, focusing on function and quiet beauty. And that’s what makes this drawing so appealing – the way it finds elegance in the everyday.