Study for Portfolio Cover: "Folk Art of Rural Pennsylvania"

1935/1942

American 20th Century

Associated Names
This is a drawing of the cover of a book titled "Folk Art of Rural Pennsylvania". The image features a symmetrical design with two stylized birds perched on either side of a flowering plant. The birds are depicted in a folk art style, with yellow bodies, black heads, and red and brown detailing in their wings and beaks. The central flower is white with a simple form, and the leaves and stems show a repeating pattern of red shapes. The background is a neutral and subdued tone. The text above the illustration displays the title of the book. Below the image, more text details the selection and indexing of designs by the Pennsylvania Art Project under the Work Projects Administration. This indicates the book’s curation of significant folk art examples. The overall design of the cover reflects a sense of tradition and historical preservation.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    gouache on paperboard

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 46.7 x 36.3 cm (18 3/8 x 14 5/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.18083


Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

upper center in gouache: FOLK ART / .OF. / RURAL / PENNSYLVANIA; lower center in gouache: SELECTED BY THE INDEX OF / ..AMERICAN DESIGN.. / PENNSYLVANIA ART PROJECT / WORKS PROJECTS ADMINISTRATION

Wikidata ID

Q64535554

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