Cast Iron Fence
c. 1936
Medium
pen and ink on paper
Dimensions
overall: 24.6 x 31 cm (9 11/16 x 12 3/16 in.)
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.11904
Art Historical Context
Behold the intricate *Cast Iron Fence* by Al Curry, a pen and ink drawing from around 1936, now housed in the National Gallery of Art. Measuring a modest 24.6 x 31 cm, this is a gem from the Index of American Design, a WPA Federal Art Project initiative launched during the Great Depression. From 1935 to 1942, artists across the U.S. meticulously documented everyday American folk art, crafts, and architecture detailed renderings, preserving cultural heritage at a time of economic hardship. Curry's precise pen and ink technique captures the ornate patterns and sturdy elegance of a classic cast ...
About the Artist
Al Curry
**Al Curry** (American, active c. 1935) was a skilled draftsman whose precise renderings captured the essence of American folk art and vernacular craftsmanship during the Great Depression era. Little is known about his early life or formal training, as biographical details remain sparsely documented. Curry gained prominence through his contributions to the Index of American Design, a Federal Art P...