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American folk and design

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

90 works · hang 3229 ·

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

Walk this roomRehang this room

Section 1, north wall

  1. The image shows a wooden chair with a tall back featuring three wide horizontal slats. The chair has an upholstered seat, likely grey or muted in color. The color palette consists of natural wood tones and a neutral seat color. The chair is facing slightly to the left with the seat slightly tilted.
    Shaker Side ChairRay Holden, c. 1937Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. 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
  3. The image depicts a large, round, domed container with a handle on its side. It has a textured and layered appearance with a central band. The color palette consists of various shades of brown and some orange tones. The container is centered in the image with the handle facing towards the viewer. The name "Janetta Badanes" is visible near the bottom right of the image.
    Copper Baptismal FontJuanita Donahoo, c. 1941Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 1, south wall

  1. The image shows a dress with a pink and white vertical striped pattern. The color palette is predominantly soft pinks and whites with subtle shading for light and shadow effects on the fabric. The dress is positioned at the center of the image, with sleeves extending slightly outward to the sides.
    Child's DressLucien Verbeke, c. 1937Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. 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
  3. The image shows a tall, narrow wooden table with a square top and four long, slender legs. The color palette is warm with shades of light brown and reddish-brown on the table. Positioned centrally, the table stands against a plain, light-colored background.
    Shaker StandRay Holden, c. 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, south 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 image displays a full-body illustration of a person standing upright. They have a delicate and round face with rosy cheeks and small, pink lips. Their eyes are large and expressive, and they have light-colored hair peeking out from under a bonnet. The person's attire consists of a long, dark skirt and a light-colored shawl draped over their shoulders. They wear a hooded cloak tied with a bow at the neck, and hold a small bag in their left hand. The background is plain with a light-colored texture. The artwork is a painted illustration with visible fine lines and shading to enhance details of the clothing and facial features.
    Quaker DollBertha Semple, 1935/1942Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. The image shows a wooden frame with six vertical cylindrical pegs evenly spaced. The color palette consists of light and medium brown tones. The structure is angled to the right with four visible legs. In the bottom left corner, there is a smaller sketched diagram with measurements.
    Candle MoldVincent P. Rosel, c. 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, north wall

  1. This is a drawing of a decorative family record. The central feature is a structure resembling a classical monument or altar labeled "FAMILY RECORD" at the top. The structure has columns and a pediment with names and dates. Flanking the list are two figures holding flowers, dressed in long gowns of blue and white. Above the structure are two large urns and a floral arrangement with pink flowers and green foliage. The background is a soft, neutral color. Green leaves and small flowers further embellish the scene.
    Family Record of Susan B. AnthonyJohn Wilkes, c. 1937Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. A wooden mallet is displayed on a beige background. The mallet has a rounded handle and a broad head, showcasing earthy brown tones with variations in the wood grain. Positioned centrally, the mallet stands upright in the image.
    Potato MasherClarence W. Dawson, c. 1940Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 3, north wall

  1. The image shows a large fan with intricate feather-like segments adorned with yellow patterns and a bird depiction. The color palette is grey with hints of yellow, brown, and metallic sheen on the ribs. The fan is positioned upright with the handle at the bottom center, and the feathers extend outward in a semi-circular shape.
    Feather FanTulita Westfall, c. 1937Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. 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
  3. The image shows a large, copper-colored pitcher with a hammered texture and a curving handle on the right side. The color palette consists of muted, warm tones of copper and brown against a pale beige background. The pitcher is centrally placed in the image, with its handle positioned on the right side.
    Copper CruetEdward Jewett, 1937Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 3, south wall

  1. 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
  2. The image depicts a person standing upright. They are wearing a dark green dress with long sleeves and a floor-length skirt. Over the dress, there is a white fabric wrapped around their shoulders. The person is holding a closed umbrella in their right hand. Their face is dark with distinguishable eyes and a nose, but specific facial features are not detailed. The person's hair is covered by a colorful headscarf with shades of blue, pink, and yellow. They are wearing large earrings, possibly pink or red. The background is plain and light with no additional objects present.
    Doll--"Hannah Hitch"Edith Towner, c. 1940Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington