Donald Donovan

American, c. 1905 - 1944

Explore selected works

The image displays a carved wooden figure of a goat with a decorative saddle and bridle. The goat is grey with textured details, while the saddle is red and brown with golden accents. The goat is in a prancing position with one leg raised and facing left. The background is plain off-white.
Donald Donovan, Carousel Goat, c. 1938, watercolor, graphite, and pen and ink on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.16832

Carousel Goat

Donald Donovan · c. 1938 · watercolor, graphite, and pen and ink on paper ·  Accession ID  1943.8.16832
The sculpture portrays a figure with long hair, wearing a black top hat and formal attire. The figure holds an object resembling a bow. The attire consists of a buttoned jacket, light-colored shirt, darker-colored jacket, painted buttons, brown pants with lighter patches on the knees, and shoes with buckles. The sculpture appears to be made of wood and painted to depict the clothing and features clearly. The style is reminiscent of traditional or historical character representations often found in folk art or nautical figureheads.
Donald Donovan, Figure of a Felon, c. 1938, watercolor, graphite, and colored pencil on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.10183

Figure of a Felon

Donald Donovan · c. 1938 · watercolor, graphite, and colored pencil on paper ·  Accession ID  1943.8.10183
A wooden swordfish model is displayed horizontally with a vertical support rod piercing through its body. The color palette is muted, with the wooden model appearing in natural wood tones against a plain, light beige background. The swordfish is positioned parallel to the bottom edge of the image, with its head and elongated snout pointing to the left side, and the support rod positioned slightly off-centered, closer to the head.
Donald Donovan, Weather Vane, c. 1937, watercolor and graphite on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.16259

Weather Vane

Donald Donovan · c. 1937 · watercolor and graphite on paper ·  Accession ID  1943.8.16259
The sculpture depicts a man dressed in formal attire. He is wearing a top hat, a dark suit with tails, a waistcoat, and a tie. The figure is in a confident stance with one hand in his pocket and the other raised. The sculpture has a polished appearance and a dark color palette, likely representing bronze or a similar material. The facial features are well-defined, and the sculpture is positioned on a simple rectangular base.
Donald Donovan, Harold Bliss, Tobacco Store - Male Figure, c. 1937, watercolor, graphite, and colored pencil on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.10165

Tobacco Store - Male Figure

Donald Donovan, Harold Bliss · c. 1937 · watercolor, graphite, and colored pencil on paper ·  Accession ID  1943.8.10165
A wooden chest with a metal latch at the center of the image, resting on four round feet. The chest has a warm brown color with visible wood grain, complemented by a dull metallic latch. Positioned in the middle and slightly elevated, set against a light plain background. The image is contained within a squared outline, with handwritten notes at the bottom left and right corners.
Donald Donovan, Robert Birrell, Sea Chest, 1936, watercolor, colored pencil, and graphite on paperboard, Index of American Design, 1943.8.4653

Sea Chest

Donald Donovan, Robert Birrell · 1936 · watercolor, colored pencil, and graphite on paperboard ·  Accession ID  1943.8.4653
The image shows an ornate, antique wooden sofa with a curved back and armrests, featuring intricate carvings and gilded accents. The color palette consists of rich browns, golden elements, and hints of darker shades for depth. The sofa is positioned centrally against a neutral background.
Donald Donovan, Albert Gold, Sofa, c. 1936, watercolor, colored pencil, and graphite on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.5500

Sofa

Donald Donovan, Albert Gold · c. 1936 · watercolor, colored pencil, and graphite on paper ·  Accession ID  1943.8.5500
The image displays a small wooden table with a rectangular top and an ornate, turned central pedestal base that branches out into three curved legs. The color palette consists of various shades of brown, ranging from a deep, rich brown on the tabletop to slightly lighter tones in the base. The table is positioned centrally against a plain, light beige background, emphasizing its wooden texture and intricate design.
Donald Donovan, McCarthy, Occasional Table, c. 1936, watercolor, colored pencil, gouache, and graphite on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.5780

Occasional Table

Donald Donovan, McCarthy · c. 1936 · watercolor, colored pencil, gouache, and graphite on paper ·  Accession ID  1943.8.5780
The image displays a wooden chair with an intricately carved backrest and a woven seat, positioned centrally in the frame. The color palette consists of primarily warm, brown tones from the wood and lighter beige shades from the woven seat. The chair is angled slightly to the right, showing its front and left side. The background is plain and neutral in an off-white color.
Donald Donovan, McCarthy, Dining Chair, c. 1936, watercolor, colored pencil, and graphite on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.4253

Dining Chair

Donald Donovan, McCarthy · c. 1936 · watercolor, colored pencil, and graphite on paper ·  Accession ID  1943.8.4253
The image shows a wooden pedestal table with a round top and a central, ornately carved column, supported by a tripod base with curved legs. The table has a rich, polished wood appearance, with shades of brown. It stands against a plain, light-colored background, highlighting its elegant curves and intricate craftsmanship.
McCarthy, Donald Donovan, Occasional Table, c. 1936, watercolor, colored pencil, and graphite on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.5825

Occasional Table

McCarthy, Donald Donovan · c. 1936 · watercolor, colored pencil, and graphite on paper ·  Accession ID  1943.8.5825
The sculpture shows the head of a horse with detailed features such as ears, nostrils, mane, and bridle. It is made from a material resembling bronze, giving it a dark, metallic sheen. The bridle has a patterned strap extending across the face. The sculpture portrays a realistic representation of a horse's head with attention to proportions and features. It stands as a standalone piece against a neutral background, emphasizing its craftsmanship and design.
Donald Donovan, Horse's Head, 1935/1942, watercolor, graphite, and pen and ink on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.17162

Horse's Head

Donald Donovan · 1935/1942 · watercolor, graphite, and pen and ink on paper ·  Accession ID  1943.8.17162