Collar

Art Historical Context

**Collar** by Marie Famularo (6) is a meticulous rendering that captures the intricate beauty of an American folk accessory, showcased in the National Gallery of Art's Index of American collection. Created using graphite for precise line work, vibrant gouache for opaque color, and subtle wash for depth and shading on paperboard this 22.4 x 27.5 cm piece exemplifies the technical finesse of documentary art. These mixed-media techniques allowed artists like Famularo to faithfully textures and patterns, making historical objects accessible and vivid for modern viewers. Produced during the Great Depression as part of the Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Index of American Design (1935–1942) employed hundreds of artists to document everyday American crafts—from textiles to tools—preserving cultural heritage at risk of being lost. Famularo's depiction of this collar highlights the artistry in utilitarian items, likely from early American fashion, reflecting regional craftsmanship and everyday elegance. This work not only celebrates vernacular design but also underscores the WPA's role in supporting artists while fostering national pride in indigenous creativity. A charming window into 19th-century life, it invites us to appreciate the quiet sophistication of collars that once adorned collars of history. (198 words)

About the Artist

Marie Famularo · 1901–1975

Marie Famularo (1901–1975) was an American artist whose meticulous illustrations played a vital role in preserving the visual legacy of everyday American folk art during the Great Depression era. Active primarily in the 1930s, she contributed to the Index of American Design (IAD), a groundbreaking Works Progress Administration (WPA) Federal Art Project initiative that commissioned artists to docum...