Cast Iron Fence

Art Historical Context

Behold the intricate *Cast Iron Fence* (1935/1942), a meticulous pen and ink rendering by artist Al Curry, measuring a modest 9 x 11 15/16 inches. Housed in the National Gallery of Art Index of American Design, drawing captures the elegant ornamental details of a quintessential American architectural element—cast iron fences that graced urban homes, parks, and public spaces in the 19th century. Created during the Great Depression as part of the Federal Art under the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Index of American Design commissioned artists like Curry to document everyday folk and decorative arts through precise, hand-rendered illustrations. From 1935 to 1942, over 18,000 such works preserved vanishing aspects of American craftsmanship, celebrating industrial ingenuity and regional styles before they faded into obscurity. Curry's pen and ink technique shines in its fine lines and shading, faithfully reproducing the fence's scrolling motifs, spear-like finials, and textured surfaces. This artwork not only highlights the artistry of cast iron production—a hallmark of early American manufacturing—but also underscores the cultural value of preserving design heritage, inviting us to appreciate the beauty in the functional.

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...