Child's Sled

Art Historical Context

**Child's Sled**, a captivating watercolor, graphite, and pen-and-ink rendering by Francis Law Durand around 1937, captures the simple yet charming design of a classic American toy. Measuring 22.9 x 30.5 cm, this work depicts an original sled 34 inches long and 3¼ inches high, showcasing its sleek wooden runners, sturdy frame, and whimsical handle—hallmarks of everyday craftsmanship from America's past. Created as part of the Index of American Design (IAD), a Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression, Durand's piece preserves vanishing folk art traditions. Launched in 1935, the IAD employed artists like Durand to document over 18,000 objects through meticulous, full-color illustrations, blending artistic skill with scholarly precision to celebrate utilitarian American design. This sled rendering highlights the cultural role of playthings in fostering childhood joy and ingenuity, reflecting regional woodworking techniques. Displayed in the National Gallery of Art's collection, it invites visitors to appreciate how ordinary objects embody our shared heritage, bridging art, history, and nostalgia.

About the Artist

Francis Law Durand · 1855–present

**Francis Law Durand (1906–1995)** Born on March 31, 1906, in Mount Holly, New Jersey, Francis Law Durand emerged as a skilled American draftsman and artist during the Great Depression era. Little is known about his early life or formal training, as biographical details remain sparsely documented beyond his professional output. By 1935, he was employed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), ...