Church Bell

Art Historical Context

"Church Bell," a delicate watercolor and graphite rendering by L. B. Hartmann from 1935/1942, captures the elegant form of a traditional American church bell. Measuring 33.2 x 24.3 cm, this precise drawing on paper belongs to the National Gallery of's Index of American Design collection (Department CG-W). Hartmann's work exemplifies the meticulous documentation style of the era, blending soft watercolor washes for tonal depth with graphite lines for sharp detail, ideal for faithfully reproducing three-dimensional objects in two dimensions. Created during the Great Depression as part of the Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Index of American Design employed artists like Hartmann to record everyday American crafts, folk art, and design motifs from across the nation. Spanning 1935 to 1942, the project produced over 15,000 watercolor renderings, preserving cultural artifacts that might otherwise be lost to time—many originals have since vanished. This piece highlights the cultural importance of church bells in American communities, symbols of gathering, celebration, and solemnity. Through Hartmann's skilled technique, visitors today can appreciate the craftsmanship of early American metalwork, evoking a tangible link to our shared heritage. A true gem for design enthusiasts!