Floor plan

Time and placeThe 20th century

The 20th century

This is a painting of a camel with a colorful saddle. The camel is centered in the image, standing against a plain, light-colored background. The animal is drawn with careful attention to detail, showcasing its distinctive humps, elongated neck, and slender legs. It is adorned with a vibrant saddle that features bright orange and red tones. The simplicity of the background emphasizes the camel.
The Bride, by Gari Melchers, ca. 1907
The image shows a large rectangular wooden box with decorative panels, a metal handle on the side, and a keyhole on the front panel.
The image shows an abstract composition with circular and linear shapes. In the center is a large, intricately patterned circle with concentric rings, zigzag, and radiating lines. Around it are six identical abstract forms resembling birds or wings, radiating outward. The shapes create a symmetrical pattern reminiscent of a rotating wheel or a sunburst.
The image shows a spinning wheel with intricate details, surrounded by smaller insets highlighting specific components. The color palette consists of muted browns, greens, and beiges. The spinning wheel is positioned in the center, with its circular wheel on the right and the spinning mechanism on the left. Detailed insets are placed around the spinning wheel, each showing different mechanical elements.
This is a painting of stylized figures within an ornate frame. The artwork features two central figures that are reminiscent of a traditional religious iconography but rendered in a simplified and almost cartoonish form. The larger figure is draped in blue with red accents, while a smaller figure is held in one hand, enrobed in red. The background is decorated with a variety of patterns including an arch-like structure with wavy designs and lines, all outlining the central figures. The outer sections feature floral patterns with bold, contrasting colors of red, black, and teal. The use of thick outlines and vivid colors suggests a playful and decorative approach to the portrayal of the figures, drawing inspiration possibly from folk art traditions.

The works in this room are listed below.

Works in this room

Works made in the 20th century, anywhere in the world.

Section 1, north wall

  1. This is a painting of a camel with a colorful saddle. The camel is centered in the image, standing against a plain, light-colored background. The animal is drawn with careful attention to detail, showcasing its distinctive humps, elongated neck, and slender legs. It is adorned with a vibrant saddle that features bright orange and red tones. The simplicity of the background emphasizes the camel.
    Bank CamelWilliam O. Fletcher, c. 1940Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. The Bride, by Gari Melchers, ca. 1907
    The BrideGari Melchers, ca. 1907Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
  3. The image shows a large rectangular wooden box with decorative panels, a metal handle on the side, and a keyhole on the front panel.
    "Chest"Edith Towner, 1940Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 1, south wall

  1. The image shows an abstract composition with circular and linear shapes. In the center is a large, intricately patterned circle with concentric rings, zigzag, and radiating lines. Around it are six identical abstract forms resembling birds or wings, radiating outward. The shapes create a symmetrical pattern reminiscent of a rotating wheel or a sunburst.
    Cut Tin CandleholderHal Blakeley, 1940Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. The image shows a spinning wheel with intricate details, surrounded by smaller insets highlighting specific components. The color palette consists of muted browns, greens, and beiges. The spinning wheel is positioned in the center, with its circular wheel on the right and the spinning mechanism on the left. Detailed insets are placed around the spinning wheel, each showing different mechanical elements.
    Spinning WheelClyde L. Cheney, 1935/1942Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. This is a painting of stylized figures within an ornate frame. The artwork features two central figures that are reminiscent of a traditional religious iconography but rendered in a simplified and almost cartoonish form. The larger figure is draped in blue with red accents, while a smaller figure is held in one hand, enrobed in red. The background is decorated with a variety of patterns including an arch-like structure with wavy designs and lines, all outlining the central figures. The outer sections feature floral patterns with bold, contrasting colors of red, black, and teal. The use of thick outlines and vivid colors suggests a playful and decorative approach to the portrayal of the figures, drawing inspiration possibly from folk art traditions.
    St. JosephE. Boyd, 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, south wall

  1. The image shows a person standing upright. They have a round face with simple facial features, wearing a hat with a red flower and dark ribbon. Their outfit includes a belted dress or coat, pleated texture, a cape, and arm coverings. The person is holding a matching umbrella in their right hand. The background is plain and light tan.
    Corn Husk DollMina Lowry, c. 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. The image shows a landscape drawing with buildings, trees, and a winding path or water feature. The drawing is done in black charcoal on brownish background paper, creating a monochromatic color palette.
    Footpaths and Pavilion in the Dresden Grosser GartenErnst Ludwig Kirchner, c. 1909Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. This is a painting of a decorative quilt pattern. The image shows a grid of square sections with various colorful motifs including stars, flowers, a horse, a house, and a cup. The design features vibrant colors, symmetrical patterns, and a central section with the date "1859". The quilt border has leaf-like patterns creating a frame around the central grid. The style is folk art.
    Applique QuiltSuzanne Roy, 1938Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, north wall

  1. A work made of oil on canvas.
    Farm near DuivendrechtPiet Mondrian, c. 1916Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
  2. The image shows a translucent pitcher in soft, pale green with swirling, striped patterns and a curved handle. It is placed in the center of the frame, with a neutral off-white background. The spout faces slightly to the left and the handle curves from the right side.
    Glass PitcherBeverly Chichester, c. 1937Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 3, north wall

  1. Waterfall, by Yoshida Hiroshi, 1924
    WaterfallYoshida Hiroshi, 1924Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  2. Untitled, by Mildred McMillen, 1915
    UntitledMildred McMillen, 1915Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
  3. This is a painting of a quilt design pattern. The image depicts a square quilt block featuring a variety of geometric shapes and patterns pieced together. The quilt features a mix of colors, including blues, reds, browns, and a pink border, with intricate patterns in the fabric segments. The textures and colors create an intricate optical composition resembling different geometric forms and depth. The piece is delicately framed within a larger white space, which emphasizes the detail of the quilt pattern. This is in the style of a traditional textile or quilting pattern illustrator.
    Cotton Bed QuiltElgin Moncure Styll, c. 1941Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 3, south wall

  1. This is a drawing of two ornate elephants. The image depicts two stylized elephants, each adorned with decorative elements. Both elephants are shown carrying a structure on their backs, resembling a small tower or box with a red domed top. The left elephant is turned to the side, its trunk raised. The right elephant faces forward. Each structure on their backs is detailed with intricate designs, including a diamond shape on the side. The overall composition suggests a ceremonial or regal theme. The subtle use of colors like red and gold enhances the ornate appearance. The coloring and shading indicate an attention to detail typical of deliberately crafted illustrations.
    Iron Bank ElephantZ.S. Lupus, c. 1938Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. This print displays a landscape with a wide view of flat land stretching towards the horizon. The ground is covered in small black dots, with some bare patches in the bottom center. A few silhouetted trees and a hint of smoke coming up from behind some rocks are visible in the distance. The gray sky dominates the scene with soft, swirling clouds.
    LowlandsTimothy Cole, 1918Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington