Floor plan

South wing: ThemesIndex of American Design

Index of American Design

This is a drawing of a wooden window shutter in a light-colored wall. The detailed study shows the craftsmanship of the shutter, with a focus on texture, form, wood grain, and panels. The aged and weathered texture suggests exposure to the elements. The shutter is secured with a metal latch in the center. The wall is subtly shaded to imply depth and setting, with slight distress marks adding to the aged ambiance of the scene.
This is a drawing of a decorative mirror. It presents a detailed design of an ornate mirror with two views: a front view and a sectional view. The mirror frame is embellished with elaborate motifs, including scrolls and floral elements. The sectional view shows the mirror's depth and structural details, indicating attention to construction. Measurements are included in inches, with title and notes providing context on the mirror's location and purpose as part of interior furnishings.
The image shows two large quilt blocks with a matching design, side by side. Each block consists of red and beige fabric with quilted stitching creating a textured appearance. The color palette includes primarily red, beige, and dark stitching outlining the patterns. The quilt blocks are placed centrally on a light-colored surface.
This is a drawing of a textile design. The image consists of a pattern with the text "LYDIA FELT 1834 BLOOMFIELD" displayed along with decorative motifs of abstract leaves and floral shapes in a contrasting color against a dark background. The composition also includes the word "EAST" placed vertically and "YORK" placed horizontally. The combination of geometric shapes and organic elements forms a unified aesthetic typical of traditional textile patterns.
This painting is a birth record for Sarah Campion, daughter of Joseph and Mary Campion, born on November 16th, 1777. It features elaborate calligraphy and ornamental designs. The borders contain floral patterns with red and orange-colored flowers and green leaves. The central text is decorative, and at the bottom are human-like figures in colonial attire standing beside a flower vase. The artwork reflects a style reminiscent of early American folk art, created by an anonymous folk artist capturing the essence of 18th-century American artistry.
The image shows a painted artwork within an ornate frame. The artwork features a figure standing with one hand raised. The figure has long hair and a beard, and wears flowing blue and white garments. The background shows an earthy surface and a sky. The frame is gold and elaborately designed. The scene is set against a blank, light-colored background.

The works in this room are listed below.

Works in this room

Between 1935 and 1942 a Federal Art Project employed artists to record American decorative and folk objects in exact watercolour renderings: weathervanes, quilts, toys, ceramics, carved figures. The result is a visual archive of everyday craft, painted with remarkable care.

Section 1, north wall

  1. This is a drawing of a wooden window shutter in a light-colored wall. The detailed study shows the craftsmanship of the shutter, with a focus on texture, form, wood grain, and panels. The aged and weathered texture suggests exposure to the elements. The shutter is secured with a metal latch in the center. The wall is subtly shaded to imply depth and setting, with slight distress marks adding to the aged ambiance of the scene.
    Sacristy Door at Mission San Juan BautistaEthel Dougan, 1938Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. This is a drawing of a decorative mirror. It presents a detailed design of an ornate mirror with two views: a front view and a sectional view. The mirror frame is embellished with elaborate motifs, including scrolls and floral elements. The sectional view shows the mirror's depth and structural details, indicating attention to construction. Measurements are included in inches, with title and notes providing context on the mirror's location and purpose as part of interior furnishings.
    MirrorB. Holst-Grubbe, 1935/1942Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. The image shows two large quilt blocks with a matching design, side by side. Each block consists of red and beige fabric with quilted stitching creating a textured appearance. The color palette includes primarily red, beige, and dark stitching outlining the patterns. The quilt blocks are placed centrally on a light-colored surface.
    Patchwork QuiltPaul Ward, c. 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 1, south wall

  1. This is a drawing of a textile design. The image consists of a pattern with the text "LYDIA FELT 1834 BLOOMFIELD" displayed along with decorative motifs of abstract leaves and floral shapes in a contrasting color against a dark background. The composition also includes the word "EAST" placed vertically and "YORK" placed horizontally. The combination of geometric shapes and organic elements forms a unified aesthetic typical of traditional textile patterns.
    CoverletMargaret Linsley, c. 1940Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. This painting is a birth record for Sarah Campion, daughter of Joseph and Mary Campion, born on November 16th, 1777. It features elaborate calligraphy and ornamental designs. The borders contain floral patterns with red and orange-colored flowers and green leaves. The central text is decorative, and at the bottom are human-like figures in colonial attire standing beside a flower vase. The artwork reflects a style reminiscent of early American folk art, created by an anonymous folk artist capturing the essence of 18th-century American artistry.
    Pa. German Birth CertificateGlenn Pearce, c. 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. The image shows a painted artwork within an ornate frame. The artwork features a figure standing with one hand raised. The figure has long hair and a beard, and wears flowing blue and white garments. The background shows an earthy surface and a sky. The frame is gold and elaborately designed. The scene is set against a blank, light-colored background.
    Original Tabernacle, for Communion VesselsDayton Brown, 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, south 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. This is a painting of an intricate and colorful illuminated manuscript page. The full-description includes a richly decorated page featuring elaborate calligraphy and floral motifs. The left side showcases swirling ornamental patterns with vibrant colors - blues, reds, and golds - interwoven with blooming flowers and a small figure with wings. In the lower portion, there is a depiction of small buildings. The right side contains text in different styles, with the top section written in large decorative letters and the lower section in a more detailed script. The overall design is bordered with floral elements and intertwining vines. This is in the style of illuminated manuscripts found in historical European documents and books.
    FrakturAlbert Levone, 1935/1942Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. 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

Section 2, north wall

  1. The image displays a vintage mechanical bank with a brick-patterned tower on the left and a soldier figure on the right, prepared to operate a cannon. The color scheme is mainly earthy tones including brown, bronze, and hints of gold, creating a retro metallic appearance. The label "ARTILLERY BANK" is engraved on the base in front of the cannon.
    Mechanical Artillery BankAlf Bruseth, c. 1940Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. The image shows a beige knitted fingerless glove on a light-colored background. The glove is flat and displayed vertically, with the thumb-piece extending to the left. There is a subtle dark pattern or lettering at the base of the glove. The color palette is warm with beige tones against the light background, emphasizing the texture and design of the glove.
    Knitted GloveElizabeth Moutal, c. 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. 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

Section 3, north wall

  1. The image shows various shapes and lines within a square border. In the center, there is an abstract circular pattern resembling a stylized floral design. The inner circle contains leaf-like shapes in green, surrounded by a ring resembling petals or decorative motifs. The overall effect is similar to a decorative shield or medallion. The background texture adds depth to the composition.
    Quilt Block - "E. Cooper" DesignFlorence Truelson, 1935/1942Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. The image shows a large, intricately designed vase with a bulbous base and flared top at the center. The vase is decorated with painted scenes of a town or village. The color scheme includes shades of blue, green, brown, and touches of yellow and red. Surrounding the vase are two smaller detailed sections showing close-ups of the painted scenes on it. The main vase image is enclosed within a boxed outline on the page.
    Fire Lighter VaseFrancis Law Durand, 1935/1942Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 3, south wall

  1. The image shows a large wooden chest with intricate floral patterns on the front panels. The color palette consists of various shades of brown, emphasizing the natural wood tones. The chest is centrally positioned on a plain background with subtle shadows indicating it is slightly elevated.
    ChestIrving I. Smith, c. 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  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