Bar Lock and Keys

Art Historical Context

"Bar Lock and Keys," rendered by artist Alexander Anderson in 1940, captures the intricate details of an early American hardware object—a sturdy bar lock measuring 6 inches high, 8 inches wide, and 1¼ inches thick. Created using watercolor, graphite, and colored pencil on paperboard28.2 x 35.8 cm), this work exemplifies the meticulous realism of the Index of American Design, a New Deal-era project that documented the nation's folk art and crafts. As part of the Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (1935–1942), the Index employed artists like Anderson to produce precise, colorful renderings of everyday American objects, preserving their cultural heritage amid the Great Depression. This depiction highlights the craftsmanship of colonial-era locksmiths, showcasing the lock's robust iron form, ornate key mechanisms, and functional beauty—elements that reflect utilitarian design with artistic flair. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's collection (Department CG-W), "Bar Lock and Keys" invites visitors to appreciate how ordinary tools embodied American ingenuity and self-reliance. Its layered media bring out textures and patinas, making history tangible and celebrating the unsung artistry in our built environment.