Chest with Drawer
c. 1937
Medium
watercolor and graphite on paperboard
Dimensions
overall: 27.9 x 22.7 cm (11 x 8 15/16 in.)
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.16785
Art Historical Context
**Chest with Drawer**, a delicate watercolor and graphite rendering by Alfred H. Smith from around 1937, captures the elegance of an American furniture piece in exquisite detail. Measuring just 27.9 x 22.7 cm, this work belongs to the National Gallery of's esteemed Index of American Design collection where everyday objects like chests and drawers were meticulously documented to preserve the nation's artistic heritage. Created during the Great Depression as part of the Works Progress Administration's Federal Art Project1935–1942), the Index employed artists like Smith to produce thousands of s...
About the Artist
Alfred H. Smith
Alfred H. Smith was an American artist active from around 1935 to 1953, best known for his meticulous watercolor and graphite drawings documenting American folk and decorative arts. Little is known about his early life or formal training, as biographical details remain sparsely documented beyond his contributions to federal art initiatives. During the Great Depression, Smith participated in the In...