Armoire

Art Historical Context

Created around 1939 by Sarkis Erganian, *Armoire* is a meticulous rendering from the Index of American Design, a-era project that documented America's rich heritage of folk and decorative arts during the Great Depression. This, colored pencil, and drawing on paper (45.8 x 35.3 cm) captures a armoire—originally 93 inches high, 50 inches, and 17¼ deep—likely an 18th- or 19th-century furniture piece blending European influences with regional craftsmanship. Erganian's precise technique highlights the armoire's carved details, wood grain, and architectural form, showcasing the Index's goal of preserving cultural artifacts through artist-rendered plates. As part of the National Gallery of Art's collection (Department: CG-W), it reflects how everyday objects embodied American identity, from Shaker simplicity to ornate Victorian styles. These works not only archived vanishing traditions but also celebrated the skilled hands behind them, offering visitors a window into the nation's artistic past.