Built-in Cupboard and Drawers
c. 1937
Medium
watercolor and graphite on paperboard
Dimensions
overall: 27.9 x 21 cm (11 x 8 1/4 in.)
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.16807
Art Historical Context
**Built-in Cupboard and Drawers** is a delicate watercolor and graphite rendering by Alfred H. Smith, created around 1937. Measuring just 27.9 x 21 cm, this intimate study captures the functional elegance of an American built-in cupboard and drawers, showcasing everyday craftsmanship from the nation's design heritage. Smith's precise lines and subtle color washes highlight the wood grain, joinery, and hardware, inviting viewers to appreciate the artistry in humble domestic objects. This work is part of the **Index of American Design**, a monumental WPA Federal Art Project from the 1930s that ...
About the Artist
Alfred H. Smith
Alfred H. Smith was an American artist active from around 1935 to 1953, best known for his meticulous watercolor and graphite drawings documenting American folk and decorative arts. Little is known about his early life or formal training, as biographical details remain sparsely documented beyond his contributions to federal art initiatives. During the Great Depression, Smith participated in the In...