Drawing for Plate 13: From the Portfolio "Folk Art of Rural Pennsylvania"

c. 1939

American 20th Century

Associated Names
This image features an abstract composition with bold and symmetrical shapes. At the center, there is a large, circular form with a pinwheel-like pattern, consisting of alternating blue and red triangles, bordered with blue spikes. Below this shape, a stylized heart in red is connected via a stem, which branches out into curling, brown tendrils. To either side of the main circle, there are two blossoming shapes, each with a yellow body and red tips. At the ends of the tendrils, smaller circular motifs mirror the central design, with colorful segments inside. The entire design conjures the aesthetic of traditional folk art and resembles a decorative motif possibly found on historic furniture or fabric.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    gouache and graphite on paper

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 46 x 35.6 cm (18 1/8 x 14 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.9259


Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

across bottom: FROM A DOWER CHESTC. 1790 / FOLK ART OF THE PENNSYLVANIA GERMANS INDEX OF AMERICAN DESIGN PENNA ART PROJECT, WPA

Wikidata ID

Q64535366

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