Andiron (one of pair)

Art Historical Context

**Andiron (one of a)**, a meticulous graphite drawing on paperboard by Maurice Van (c. 1938), captures the elegant form of a traditional American andiron. Measuring 39.5 x 27.3 cm, this work depicts an original object standing 17½ inches high and 11 inches wide, likely crafted from metal to support burning logs in hear. Van Felix's precise lines highlight the andiron's functional beauty, a staple of colonial and early American homes where open fireplaces were central to daily life. Created as part of the Index of American Design (IAD), a landmark WPA Federal Art Project from the 1930s, this drawing preserves vanishing examples of American craftsmanship amid the Great Depression. The IAD commissioned artists nationwide to document folk art, decorative objects, and design traditions through detailed renderings, ensuring cultural heritage endured. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W department, it exemplifies how graphite's subtlety allowed for accurate shading and texture, bridging artistry with historical documentation. This piece invites visitors to appreciate the unsung artistry in everyday objects, revealing how andirons blended utility with subtle ornamentation in America's past. A testament to New Deal-era creativity, it underscores the IAD's role in celebrating national identity through design. (198 words)

About the Artist

Maurice Van Felix

Maurice Van Felix was born on March 16, 1889, in Łódź, Poland, and later became a prominent figure in American art circles after immigrating to the United States. His early training took place in Poland and France, where he honed his skills as a painter and etcher before settling in Brooklyn, New York, by 1919. Though details of his formal education remain sparse, Van Felix quickly established him...