Pa. German Painted Chest

c. 1938

Frances Lichten

Associated Names
Frances Lichten

Artist, American, active c. 1935

The image shows a large chest with ornate decorations, including floral motifs, animals, and abstract shapes. The color scheme includes deep greens, browns, black, red, and orange. The chest is positioned to the left on a white background, emphasizing its craftsmanship. The bottom section includes drawers with circular ornamental details.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor and graphite on paper

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 27.8 x 41.2 cm (10 15/16 x 16 1/4 in.)
    Original IAD Object: 25" high; 50" long; 23 1/4" wide

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.3611

More About this Artwork

This painting depicts an angel in flight, facing the left and playing a trumpet. The angel's wings are spread out behind them, and their feet are extended out horizontally to the right. A small rod or post extends downward from the torso of the angel. The angel is entirely painted in shades of yellow, reddish-brown, and gray, reminiscent of weathered metal with patches of rust. Small rivets are visible at joints and edges of the angel, which appears to be comprised of small panels. The background of the painting is plain beige paper.

Article:  Seven Highlights from the Index of American Design

Peer into the American past with a collection of Great Depression–era watercolors.

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1970

  • Hornung, Clarence P., Treasury of American Design, New York: 1970, p. 709, no. 2596.

Inscriptions

lower left in watercolor: FRANCES / LICHTEN

Wikidata ID

Q64562256

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