Centennial Textile - Flag
1935/1942
Medium
watercolor, graphite, and pen and ink on paper
Dimensions
overall: 45.8 x 60.2 cm (18 1/16 x 23 11/16 in.)
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.2666
Art Historical Context
Behold the *Centennial Textile - Flag a vibrant rendering by artist H. Langden Brown, created between 1935 1942. This work on paper—measuring 45.8 x 60.2 cm—employs watercolor for rich color, graphite for subtle shading, and pen and ink for crisp lines, capturing the intricate details of an American flag textile designed for a centennial celebration. Such flags often symbolized national pride and historical milestones, blending patriotic motifs with textile craftsmanship. As part of the Index of Design (IAD), a landmark Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA), this p...
About the Artist
H. Langden Brown
H. Langden Brown (1879–1960) was an American artist best known for his contributions to the Index of American Design, a Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) from 1935 to 1942. This ambitious initiative commissioned artists across the United States to create meticulous watercolor renderings of everyday objects, tools, vehicles, and crafts that embodied the nation's folk...