John H. Tercuzzi

John H. Tercuzzi was an artist and documentarian active during the mid-1930s, specifically 1935 through 1937. Tercuzzi’s known professional output centers on the detailed study and documentation of American material culture, culminating in 15 recorded designs contributed to the Index of American Design.

The work produced by Tercuzzi was focused on documenting decorative and utilitarian objects, often reflecting historical trends in American craft and industry rather than focusing on traditional fine art media. Artifacts documented include examples of jewelry and domestic wares, such as the designs for a Brooch, Brooch and Earrings, a Button, and a Garden Urn. These works constitute a critical visual record of early to mid-American design.

The documentation produced by John H. Tercuzzi is represented in the collections of major institutions, including the National Gallery of Art. Because of the nature of the Index of American Design project, much of this documentation now resides in the public domain. Reproductions of these historical records, often available as high-quality prints, allow researchers and designers access to the documented artistry. Scholars frequently consult these archival John H. Tercuzzi prints for historical reference.