Cast Iron Fence

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 iron fence—a quintessential element of 19th-century American urban and garden design. The medium's fine lines and cross-hatching allow for exquisite detail, highlighting the craftsmanship of foundry work that blended European influences with bold American ingenuity. Such fences adorned homes, parks, and public spaces, symbolizing durability and decorative flair. This artwork not only showcases Curry's skilled draftsmanship but also underscores the Index's mission to celebrate vernacular design as vital American art. Visitors, imagine strolling past such a fence revived through Curry's lens— a testament to our shared design legacy!

About the Artist

Al Curry · 1855–present

**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...