Past Exhibition

Index of American Design

The image depicts a composition of shapes and lines forming an abstract tapestry of animals and stars. Two horses with outlined forms are prancing in the center, with birds and bird-like shapes scattered throughout. Stars of different colors and patterns are interspersed among these figures. The colors and forms resemble a whimsical forest scene, with triangles suggesting trees and circles resembling berries. The design draws inspiration from folk art or quilting, creating an abstract representation of nature and festive patterns.
Charlotte Angus, Hooked Rug, c. 1940, watercolor and graphite on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.257

Details

  • Dates

    -

  • Locations

    Ground Floor, Central Gallery
The image depicts a composition of shapes and lines forming an abstract tapestry of animals and stars. Two horses with outlined forms are prancing in the center, with birds and bird-like shapes scattered throughout. Stars of different colors and patterns are interspersed among these figures. The colors and forms resemble a whimsical forest scene, with triangles suggesting trees and circles resembling berries. The design draws inspiration from folk art or quilting, creating an abstract representation of nature and festive patterns.
Charlotte Angus, Hooked Rug, c. 1940, watercolor and graphite on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.257

Overview: This was the first exhibition of watercolors and drawings from the Index of American Design, showing metalwork and hooked rugs. The Index of American Design was conceived as a pictorial record of arts and crafts in the United States from early days through the 19th century. It was undertaken during the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration's (WPA) Federal Art Project, as part of its program to provide employment for artists. More than 17,000 watercolor renderings and 500 photographs were transferred by the WPA on June 7, 1943. They came to the National Gallery of Art from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where they had been on loan.

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