Plate with Tulip and Two Flowers 1938

Giacinto Capelli, who lived a long life, made this painted plate with tulip and two flowers, date unknown. I love the way it is presented next to a cross-section of itself. It's like one of those botanical illustrations that are both art and science! I can imagine Capelli carefully plotting out the floral arrangement, each petal and leaf meticulously rendered. The color choices—earthy greens, reds, and yellows—speak to a connection with the natural world, maybe reflecting Capelli's own garden or the local landscape. The image has the date 1823 on the plate and there are many stains. Like folk art that is trying to break free from the traditional constraints of representation. There's a raw energy here, a directness of expression that bypasses the need for technical finesse. It reminds us that art doesn't always have to be polished or refined; sometimes, it's the imperfections that make it sing.