Shaker Infirmary Cap

c. 1936

Alice Stearns

Associated Names
Alice Stearns

Artist, American, active c. 1935

This vertical drawing on pale paper shows a large, rounded object resembling a protective hood or bonnet, rendered in pencil and translucent washes of yellow, orange, pale blue, and gray. The object occupies the upper half of the sheet and is shown at an angle, with a broad oval opening facing our right. A wide yellow band edged in blue curves around this opening.

A fine white mesh covers much of the object, narrowing toward our left into a rounded, transparent section. Beneath the mesh, pale orange and yellow surfaces and a blue-edged oval opening are visible. Thin gray bands or straps run over the top and down the side, with small overlapping rectangular sections near the top. A small gray fastening piece projects from the lower left edge.

Below and to our left is a much smaller pencil sketch of a similar rounded form viewed from another angle. It includes vertical lines and a narrow band with a small central oval near its lower edge. Most of the lower half of the sheet is left blank.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor, graphite, and gouache on paper

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 34.4 x 28.2 cm (13 9/16 x 11 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.13527


Artwork history & notes

Wikidata ID

Q64534503

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