Drawing for Plate 15: From the Portfolio "Folk Art of Rural Pennsylvania"

c. 1939

American 20th Century

Associated Names
This is a symmetrical folk art design featuring birds, flowers, and geometric shapes. The main motif is a centrally placed red and yellow tulip-like flower emerging from a blue intertwined vine, flanked by two red and blue birds facing each other. The birds are perched on a floral base resembling a heart shape, which sits atop a striped two-handled vase. Above the birds, there are two simple blue and white birds in flight, one on each side of the tall flower. The design is composed of bold, solid colors, predominantly red, yellow, and blue, with clean, distinct shapes typical of traditional folk art from the Pennsylvania German tradition. Handwritten annotations are present along with a printed caption reading, "From Late 18th Century Decoration on Paper."

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    gouache and graphite on paper

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 45.6 x 35.5 cm (17 15/16 x 14 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.9255


Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

across bottom: FROM / LATE 18th CENTURY / DECORATION ON PAPER / FOLK ART OF THE PENNSYLVANIA GERMANS INDEX OF AMERICAN DESIGN PENNA ART PROJECT WPA

Wikidata ID

Q64535360

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