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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 8400 ·

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

Walk this roomRehang this room

Section 1, north wall

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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

Section 1, south wall

  1. 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
  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. This is a drawing of a wooden door panel. It features a detailed rendering of a rectangular wooden door panel with vertical lines. Below the door panel, there is an elevation view showing the construction detail of the door in cross-section, with measurements indicating dimensions and proportions. The color palette is in shades of brown and beige. A signature in the lower right corner attributes the drawing to an artist named Geoffrey Holt.
    One of Original Inside Doors to SacristyGeoffrey Holt, c. 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, 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. This is a painting of a decorative wooden chest. The chest has intricate designs, such as painted figures, trees, and animals, creating a narrative scene on its front side, and floral motifs on its sides. The craftsmanship suggests it is an ornate object, potentially used for storage or as an ornamental piece. The painting focuses on the texture and details of the wood and decoration with precision, in a traditional arts and crafts or folk art style, emphasizing fine detail and storytelling through imagery on functional furniture.
    Jewel CabinetCharles Henning, c. 1939Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, 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. 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

Section 3, north wall

  1. The image depicts a person standing upright. The person has a round face with a small mouth and rosy cheeks, and their hair is styled smoothly with a middle part. They are wearing a long-sleeved dress with a checkered pattern in subdued colors, highlighted with blue bands around the sleeves and hem. The dress has a fitted bodice and a full skirt. Bare feet are visible under the dress. The background is plain and neutral, and there is a signature in the lower right corner.
    Doll - "Emily"Rex F. Bush, c. 1938Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. 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
  3. 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

Section 3, south wall

  1. 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
  2. The image shows five metallic objects arranged in a vertical column. These include three L-shaped brackets and two circular rings, in muted gray and rust-brown shades with a metallic sheen. The objects are positioned against a light, neutral background.
    Color Notes on IronGerald Transpota, 1935/1942Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. 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