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20th-century United States

Works made in the United States in the 20th century.

124 works · hang 7761 ·

The rooms are imagined; every work on their walls is real.

Walk this roomRehang this room

Section 1, north wall

  1. This is a painting showing two people in nature. The person on the left appears to be running towards the right, with one leg in the air and their arms outstretched. They have tan, golden-toned skin, blond hair, and golden fabric draped loosely around them, billowing backward as they run. On the right is a pale person standing upright in a tree, their arms outstretched. They appear intertwined with the tree, with their feet nestled in the light brown trunk and their head and hands covered in olive-green leaves. The background features indistinct brown shapes against a clear blue sky.
    Apollo and DaphneJohn Singer Sargent, c. 1916/1919Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. The image depicts a person standing upright. The person has a round face with a small mouth and rosy cheeks, and their hair is styled smoothly with a middle part. They are wearing a long-sleeved dress with a checkered pattern in subdued colors, highlighted with blue bands around the sleeves and hem. The dress has a fitted bodice and a full skirt. Bare feet are visible under the dress. The background is plain and neutral, and there is a signature in the lower right corner.
    Doll - "Emily"Rex F. Bush, c. 1938Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 1, south wall

  1. The image features a round, ornately decorated object resembling a shield with metallic-looking decorative hinges on its surface. The color palette is primarily earthy tones such as brown, red, and hints of gold. The object is centered in the image, viewed from the front, with engravings decorating its surface. The background is plain and light in color.
    Baptismal FontWilliam Kieckhofel, c. 1941Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. The sculpture depicts a mythical creature resembling a dragon. It has a long spiraled body and an intricate head with spiky protrusions. The sculpture is a warm brown color. The dragon has bat-like wings, an open mouth, detailed texture with scales, and is standing on a small base.
    FenceRose Campbell-Gerke, c. 1941Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. This is an image of a bonnet and its details. The drawing showcases a bonnet with intricate design and texture. The bonnet is viewed from the side, revealing its woven structure with patterns representing fabric pleats or folds. It has a long ribbon hanging from the back, depicted with flowing lines. There are also two smaller sketches showing the bonnet from the back, emphasizing its shape and construction. The background is plain.
    BonnetBessie Forman, c. 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, south wall

  1. The image shows a tall, intricately designed purple candlestick against a light beige background. The overall color palette is dominated by shades of purple. The candlestick is centrally positioned and stands upright with detailed patterns visible.
    VaseJanet Riza, c. 1937Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. This is a drawing of an abstract shape or artifact. The image features a central black object positioned against a plain, light-colored background. The object has a slightly irregular, elongated triangular form with rounded edges and contours. It includes a series of geometric holes and protrusions. The subtle shadowing suggests a three-dimensional form, yet the drawing maintains a simplicity that emphasizes the object's unique contours and cutouts.
    BootjackClaude Marshall, c. 1940Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. This is a drawing of three decorative bonnets. The drawing features three different hat designs, each embellished with lace, ribbon, and bow details. The upper left bonnet is adorned with pink hues and intricate lace, displaying a floral-like bow. The top right bonnet showcases a turquoise ribbon and bow, surrounded by soft lace. The lower bonnet is in grayscale, with shadowing for dimension, featuring a checkered ribbon. Each hat is detailed with line work and shading, conveying elegance.
    CapsUnrecorded American maker, 1935/1942Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, north wall

  1. The image shows a decorative curved object with intricate patterns. There is a large green peacock motif in the center, surrounded by floral and geometric patterns. The color palette includes soft pinks, greens, and blue accents outlining the curve of the object. The object is placed on a plain light background.
    BandboxNicholas Acampora, 1937Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. The image shows a wooden drop-leaf table with four turned legs and two drawers. The table's surface includes two side panels that can be raised or lowered. The color palette is warm brown tones. The table is centered in the image, with both leaves partially visible.
    Shaker TableAlfred H. Smith, c. 1938Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 3, north wall

  1. Cartoon for mural of Minnesota State Capital, "Institute of Justice", by Kenyon Cox, ca. 1904
    Cartoon for mural of Minnesota State Capital, "Institute of Justice"Kenyon Cox, ca. 1904Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
  2. The image shows a large wooden chest with a rectangular design and a keyhole on its front panel. The chest has a weathered look in muted browns and grays. It is positioned in the center with its top, front, and side panels visible. The background is plain and light in color.
    Utility ChestHenry Tomaszewski, 1937Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 3, south wall

  1. This is a drawing of a furniture design with detailed measurements and decorative elements. The drawing depicts a piece of furniture with a combination of drawers and a cabinet, shown from the front and the side. Specific measurements are provided for various parts of the furniture, such as the width, height, and depth. The design features include a decorative carving in relief on the front panel, a detailed cross-section of the knob, and ornamental patterns on the side. The drawing is technical in nature, likely intended for crafting or woodworking purposes, emphasizing the detailed aspects needed for construction.
    Chest of DrawersFlorence Neal, 1935/1942Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. The sculpture is a depiction of a horse's head crafted from a dark material that appears to be metal. The horse's ears are perked up, and its mane is depicted with smooth, curving lines trailing down the back of the neck. The sculpture includes a ring that extends from the horse's mouth. Positioned on a simple cylindrical pedestal, the sculpture's material and design suggest a robust and timeless feel. The details of the horse's expression and mane are rendered with a smooth finish.
    Hitching PostAlbert Ryder, c. 1938Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 4, south wall

  1. The image shows five metallic objects arranged in a vertical column. These include three L-shaped brackets and two circular rings, in muted gray and rust-brown shades with a metallic sheen. The objects are positioned against a light, neutral background.
    Color Notes on IronGerald Transpota, 1935/1942Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. This is a painting of a colorful floral design with text. The artwork features stylized flowers in shades of red, green, and yellow scattered across the page. In the center, there is calligraphic text in varying boldness and fonts, likely in German. Two symmetrical bird-like figures with human faces and crowns are above the text. The piece combines imagery with artistic lettering in a style reminiscent of traditional Pennsylvania German fraktur. The artwork is bordered by a thin line, suggesting it's part of a larger artifact or document.
    Pa. German Birth CertificateAlbert Levone, c. 1940Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington