Bas Relief Plaque

Art Historical Context

Created around 1940 by artist Stanley Mazur, thisBas Relief Plaque* a meticulous watercolor and graphite rendering on paper, measuring 50.9 x 40.7 cm. It faithfully documents an original bas-relief sculpture—standing 32 inches high and 24 inches—from America's rich tradition of decorative arts. Bas-relief, or low-relief carving, was a popular technique in folk and architectural ornamentation, often featuring intricate motifs that blend sculptural depth with surface design. As part of the of American Design (IAD), a landmark Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, Mazur's work exemplifies a national effort to celebrate and preserve everyday American craftsmanship. Launched in 1935, the IAD commissioned over 15,000 such detailed illustrations by artists nationwide, capturing regional folk art, crafts, and design objects before they faded into obscurity. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's collection, this piece highlights the era's commitment to cultural heritage amid economic hardship. Mazur's technique masterfully uses watercolor for vibrant shading and graphite for precise lines, evoking the plaque's textured relief and subtle dimensionality on a flat surface. For visitors, it offers a window into mid-20th-century appreciation for America's artistic roots, reminding us how ordinary objects embody cultural stories.

About the Artist

Stanley Mazur · 1903–1978

**Stanley Mazur (1903–1978)** was an American artist best known for his meticulous watercolor renderings created as part of the Index of American Design, a Works Progress Administration (WPA) initiative during the Great Depression era. This ambitious project commissioned artists across the United States to document everyday folk art objects, crafts, and tools that embodied the nation's cultural he...