Chest of Drawers

Art Historical Context

**Chest of Drawers** Francis Borelli, created around 1938, is a meticulous rendering from the Index of American Design, a WPA Federal Art Project that documented everyday American objects as cultural treasures during the Great Depression. Borelli, one of over 200 artists involved, captured the essence of a classic wooden chest measuring about 28⅓ x 21 x 32½ inches—likely a fine example of 18th- or 19th-century American furniture craftsmanship, with its graceful proportions and functional elegance. Executed in watercolor, colored pencil, pen and ink, and graphite on paperboard (54.5 x 45.2 cm), the work showcases Borelli's skill in layered techniques to achieve realistic texture and depth. Subtle shading highlights the wood grain and hardware, turning a utilitarian piece into a vibrant study of form and material. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's collection, it exemplifies the Index's mission to celebrate vernacular design, from Shaker simplicity to colonial opulence. This artwork invites us to appreciate the artistry in the ordinary, preserving a slice of American life for future generations and underscoring how federal support fostered cultural documentation amid economic hardship. (198 words)

About the Artist

Francis Borelli · 1903–1961

Francis Borelli is an artist for whom reliable biographical information is not currently well-documented in major art historical sources. No confirmed dates of birth or death have been established, and details regarding nationality, artistic training, and the period and place of primary activity have not been comprehensively recorded in accessible scholarly literature. Works attributed to Francis...