Candelabrum

Art Historical Context

Mildred Ford's *Candelabrum* (c. 1937), a precise graphite drawing on paper measuring 29.1 x 22.2 cm, captures the elegance of an American decorative object as part of the Index of American Design. Created during the Great Depression, this work belongs to a monumental WPA Federal Art Project (1935–1942) that employed artists to document the nation's folk art, crafts, and design heritage through meticulous renderings. Ford, one of many skilled contributors, rendered everyday treasures like candelabra to preserve their cultural legacy amid economic hardship. Graphite on paper allowed for the fine detail and accuracy central to the Index's mission, emphasizing technical precision over artistic flourish. These drawings served as an "index" for scholars, designers, and the public, highlighting regional craftsmanship—likely from early American silversmithing traditions. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's collection, *Candelabrum* exemplifies how federal initiatives championed American identity through art. Today, it invites us to appreciate the artistry in utilitarian objects, bridging past ingenuity with modern eyes.

About the Artist

Mildred Ford · 1895–1988

Mildred Ford (1895–1988) was an American artist whose career is indelibly linked to the Index of American Design, a monumental Works Progress Administration (WPA) project launched in the 1930s to document the nation's rich heritage of decorative arts and folk objects. Through her precise renderings, Ford helped preserve intricate details of everyday artifacts—from toleware utensils to Pennsylvania...