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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 8350 ·

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 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
  2. 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
  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 1, south wall

  1. 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
  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. 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

Section 2, south wall

  1. The image shows a dark metal object with two parts: a handle and a blade. The color palette consists of shades of dark brown on a light beige background. The handle is located at the top center, and the blade portion is positioned below it, both aligned vertically in the center of the frame.
    SpitEmile Cero, c. 1938Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. This is a drawing of a dress design. The illustration features a dress with a square neckline, adorned with embroidery around the bust area. The dress has a high waistline with a gathered skirt. The lower part of the dress also features floral embroidery patterns. The design emphasizes fine lines and delicate patterns.
    Baptismal DressEvelyn Bailey, c. 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. The image shows an antique double kerosene lamp with ornate glass chimneys set atop a horizontal cylindrical base with a central vertical support ending in a circular handle. The base and lamp parts have a bronze-like color with a textured appearance, and the glass chimneys are primarily clear but show hints of colorful reflections. Positioned centrally in the image, the lamp stands upright with the two chimneys equally spaced on either side of the vertical support, which is topped by a circular loop handle, while the signature "J. Cannella" is visible towards the lower right side of the image.
    Reading LampJoseph Cannella, 1941Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, north wall

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. The image shows a large hat with a broad brim, decorated with a ribbon and floral or lace-like embellishments. The color palette consists of shades of gray and soft purples. The hat is centered in the frame, with its brim curving to the left and the decorative elements extending to the sides.
    BonnetRosalia Lane, 1935/1942Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 3, north wall

  1. 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
  2. The image displays a detailed drawing of a vintage wall-mounted lamp. The color palette consists of primarily browns and earthy tones, with hints of a metallic sheen. The lamp is centered in the image, with its base attached to the right side and extending to the left. A subtle shadow and highlights give the lamp a three-dimensional appearance against a plain, light beige background.
    Binnacle LampHerman O. Stroh, 1938Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 3, south wall

  1. This is a painting of two deer under a tree. The larger deer has antlers and is resting next to a smaller deer. They are depicted with red and brown strokes. The background shows a patch of earth and grass in green and blue. Beside the deer is a tree with colorful leaves or a feather-like structure and a red trunk. A pink flower is near the tree's base. The background is neutral. This painting is in the style of Henri Rousseau.
    Crewel EmbroideryHelen Dana, 1935/1942Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. 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