Vincent McPharlin

American, active c. 1935

Explore selected works

This is a painting of an eagle figurehead. The image shows a detailed rendering of an eagle poised atop an object with red and white stripes, and blue with stars. The eagle's wings are spread wide, showcasing intricate detailing on the feathers. The head of the eagle is prominently painted with realistic shading. Its talons are embedded into the striped base. This is in the style of a nautical carving or traditional American folk art. The background is a plain, neutral color which focuses attention on the eagle.
Vincent McPharlin, Pilot House Figure (Eagle), c. 1937, watercolor, gouache, and graphite on paperboard, Index of American Design, 1943.8.9814

Pilot House Figure (Eagle)

Vincent McPharlin · c. 1937 · watercolor, gouache, and graphite on paperboard ·  Accession ID  1943.8.9814

The sculpture portrays a standing figure of a person in a historical or theatrical costume. The figure wears an intricate outfit with a tunic in red and green with gold details. The figure's arm is extended forward, holding a small cylindrical object. The head is adorned with a helmet-like headpiece with plumes in yellow, red, and green. The sculpture is placed on a two-tiered rectangular pedestal, with the bottom tier dark and the upper tier lighter in color. The sculpture is ornate and detailed, with well-preserved colors, suggesting a decorative or display use.
Vincent McPharlin, Cigar Store Indian, c. 1937, watercolor, gouache, and graphite on paperboard, Index of American Design, 1943.8.7759

Cigar Store Indian

Vincent McPharlin · c. 1937 · watercolor, gouache, and graphite on paperboard ·  Accession ID  1943.8.7759

The sculpture depicts a standing figure of a woman with long hair, wearing a colorful attire composed of a red dress with patterned details and a golden shawl draped over her shoulders. She is also seen with dark shoes. The sculpture accentuates the folds and drape of her clothing, suggesting a sense of fabric texture. The sculpture stands on a multi-tiered, dark gray rectangular pedestal. The woman's posture is upright and her gaze is directed forward. The entire sculpture is painted in realistic, vibrant colors.
Vincent McPharlin, Cigar Store Indian, c. 1937, watercolor, colored pencil, and heightening on paperboard, Index of American Design, 1943.8.9993

Cigar Store Indian

Vincent McPharlin · c. 1937 · watercolor, colored pencil, and heightening on paperboard ·  Accession ID  1943.8.9993

The image shows a wooden triangular object with an intricately carved design at the top and a simple, rectangular wooden shelf below it. The color palette consists mainly of various shades of brown, with the carved object and shelf appearing in a natural wood tone against a light beige background. In the composition, the carved object is positioned centrally above the shelf, which is attached horizontally across the lower part of the image.
Vincent McPharlin, Flat Iron Holder, c. 1937, watercolor, gouache, and graphite on paperboard, Index of American Design, 1943.8.15778

Flat Iron Holder

Vincent McPharlin · c. 1937 · watercolor, gouache, and graphite on paperboard ·  Accession ID  1943.8.15778