Floor plan

Style galleriesAmerican folk and design

American folk and design

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.
The image shows a wooden stool with a semi-circular seat on a light beige background. The stool has four slim legs and a primarily brown color.
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.
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.
This is a drawing depicting instructional annotations on a pattern for tailoring or assembling clothing. The pattern includes various pieces labeled with letters and numbers corresponding to specific parts of a garment, like "FRONT," "SIDE BACK," and "COLLAR." The layout is precise and technical, resembling a guide for constructing a garment with detailed cutting and assembly instructions.
The image shows a wooden duck decoy against a plain, light-colored background. The duck is crafted in various shades of brown, black, and green with subtle highlights in lighter tones. The duck is facing to the right side of the frame, with its head slightly tilted upward.

The works in this room are listed below.

Works in this room

The everyday art of early America, recorded in watercolour by the Index of American Design.

Section 1, 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 wooden stool with a semi-circular seat on a light beige background. The stool has four slim legs and a primarily brown color.
    Shaker Music RackAlfred H. Smith, c. 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. 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

Section 1, south wall

  1. 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
  2. This is a drawing depicting instructional annotations on a pattern for tailoring or assembling clothing. The pattern includes various pieces labeled with letters and numbers corresponding to specific parts of a garment, like "FRONT," "SIDE BACK," and "COLLAR." The layout is precise and technical, resembling a guide for constructing a garment with detailed cutting and assembly instructions.
    Waistcoat PatternRosalia Lane, c. 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. The image shows a wooden duck decoy against a plain, light-colored background. The duck is crafted in various shades of brown, black, and green with subtle highlights in lighter tones. The duck is facing to the right side of the frame, with its head slightly tilted upward.
    DecoyMina Lowry, c. 1940Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, south wall

  1. The image features a large terracotta pot with two small handles on its sides. The pot is primarily in shades of earthy orange and brown with some lighter patches that suggest a slightly weathered texture. It is positioned centrally against a plain, light background.
    Preserving JarWilford H. Shurtliff, c. 1938Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. The sculpture depicts a young boy dressed in a bright red coat, blue shirt, and blue pants, with black shoes. He is wearing a black hat with a red rim and has curly hair. The boy is balanced on one foot atop a red ball, with one leg lifted behind him and one hand held high above his head. The sculpture is made of painted, cast metal with intricate designs and textures. The boy stands on an ornately decorated dark pedestal.
    Toy BankPearl Torell, c. 1939Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. The image shows an ornate chair with a high back, decorative carvings along its arms, legs, and backrest, a woven or cane seat and back, and intricate patterns. The chair is detailed with earthy brown tones and subtle shading accentuating the wood texture and design motifs. It is placed in the center of the image, facing slightly to the left, with linear guides indicating perspective and depth on a plain background.
    ArmchairAgnes Karlin, c. 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, north wall

  1. This is a drawing of a tool with intricate patterns. The tool appears elongated with a pronged end, and features symmetrical geometric designs etched along the handle. The drawing also includes a side profile showing its slender form.
    ForkAnthony Zuccarello, c. 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. 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
  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 3, north 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 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 3, 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. The image shows a small intricately decorated wooden structure with an arched top and a central door flanked by two metal hinges. The structure is painted with a floral and vine motif in colors such as red, green, and yellow on a light background. The wooden door has a textured appearance. The object is positioned centrally with the door facing forward, placed on a slightly elevated base with two footings extending forward. The overall look is ornate and symmetrical, showcasing detailed design work.
    Tabernacle (Ecclesiastical Furniture)Cornelius Christoffels, c. 1938Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington