Necklace 1935 - 1942

John H. Tercuzzi rendered this drawing of a necklace with watercolor and graphite. The composition is dominated by the chain, its ovoid links cascading with a deliberate rhythm. The monochromatic palette, primarily browns and tans, enhances the object's weighty, material presence. The necklace's form can be seen as a signifier, a representation of status and identity. Tercuzzi’s emphasis on the chain's structure—each link meticulously rendered—suggests a fascination with the ornamental object. This echoes structuralist ideas where objects are understood through their arrangement and the relationships they form. The necklace, traditionally a symbol of adornment, becomes in this drawing, an exploration of form and representation. Note how the texture and color create depth, inviting a closer examination of the interplay between surface and depth. Through these formal elements, Tercuzzi’s drawing transcends mere representation, becoming a study of material culture and the semiotics of adornment.