Bandbox

Art Historical Context

**Bandbox** *Stewart Wheeler, c. 1936* Watercolor and gouache on paperboard, 38 × 51 cm (14 15/16 × 20 1/16 in.) *Index of American Design, National Gallery of Art* Step the colorful world of American folk art with Stewart Wheeler's *Bandbox*, a meticulous rendering created around 1936. This vibrant watercolor and gouache onboard captures the decorative charm of a classic bandbox—a lightweight, cylindrical container historically used to store men's collars, hats, or sheet music. Popular in the 19th century, these boxes were often adorned with printed paper scenes of landscapes, architecture, or patriotic motifs, blending utility with whimsy. Wheeler's work is part of the *Index of American Design*, a landmark Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) from 1935 to 1942. During the Great Depression, over 200 artists produced thousands of such precise, full-color plates to document and celebrate everyday American objects, preserving cultural heritage amid economic hardship. Gouache's opaque richness allowed for lifelike detail, making these renderings both artistic achievements and invaluable records. Today, housed in the National Gallery of Art, *Bandbox* highlights how ordinary items reflected national identity and craftsmanship. It's a delightful reminder of America's inventive spirit, inviting you to appreciate the beauty in the commonplace.