Clock Face

Art Historical Context

Behold the intricate *Clock Face* (c. 1936), a masterful rendering by artist Ann Gene Buckley, part of the celebrated Index of American Design. Created at half-scale (35.6 x 24.4 cm), this meticulously documents an exemplary piece of American folk craftsmanship, the elegance of traditional clock design during the Great Depression era. Commissioned under the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration (PA), the Index aimed to preserve and celebrate everyday American artistry—from furniture to decorative objects—through precise, colorful illustrations, ensuring cultural heritage endured economic hardship. Buckley's virtuoso use of watercolor, colored pencil, gold ink, and pen and ink on paper brings the clock face to vivid life. Delicate washes evoke subtle hues, fine pencils add texture and detail, shimmering gold ink mimics metallic accents, and precise ink lines define ornate patterns, showcasing techniques that balanced artistic flair with documentary accuracy. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W department, this piece exemplifies the Index's role in elevating utilitarian design to fine art. Today, *Clock Face* reminds us of America's inventive spirit, where functional objects like clocks became canvases for personal expression. A testament to Buckley’s skill and the WPA's visionary legacy, it invites visitors to appreciate the beauty in our shared design history.

About the Artist

Ann Gene Buckley · 1855–present

Ann Gene Buckley is an artist whose biographical record remains incompletely documented in currently available historical sources. Her nationality, dates of birth and death, and the details of her artistic training have not been firmly established, making a comprehensive account of her life and influences difficult to provide. The works attributed to Buckley reflect a practiced artistic sensibili...