Carousel Dog
c. 1938
Medium
watercolor and colored pencil on paper
Dimensions
overall: 32 x 46 cm (12 5/8 x 18 1/8 in.) Original IAD Object: 48" high
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.8108
Art Historical Context
**Carousel Dog** by Michael Riccitelli, created around 1938, captures the whimsical charm of a classic American carousel figure in watercolor and colored pencil on paper. This detailed rendering, measuring 32 x 46 cm, depicts a spirited carved wooden dog—originally 48 inches high—poised as if ready to gallop in endless merry-go-round circles. Riccitelli's precise technique highlights the vibrant paints and intricate carvings typical of early 20th-century carousel artistry, evoking the joy of Coney Island-era amusements. As part of the *Index of American Design* (IAD), a Federal Art Project un...
About the Artist
Michael Riccitelli
**Michael Riccitelli** (American, active c. 1935) was a skilled draftsman whose precise watercolor renderings captured the essence of American folk art during the Great Depression era. Little is known about his early life or formal training, as biographical details remain scarce. He gained prominence through his contributions to the Index of American Design (IAD), a Works Progress Administration (...