Coverlet

Art Historical Context

Step into the rich tapestry of American folk art with *Coverlet*, a meticulously rendered watercolor on paperboard by Alois. Ulrich, created between 1935 and 1942. Measuring 59.4 x 50.7 cm, this work is part of the esteemed Index of American Design, treasure trove housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W department. Ulrich, a skilled artist, captured the intricate patterns and textures of a traditional American coverlet—a woven bedcovering beloved in colonial and early American homes for its warmth, durability, and decorative flair. The Index of American Design, launched as a Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, employed artists like Ulrich to document vanishing folk crafts through precise, colorful renderings. This effort preserved cultural heritage at a time when everyday objects risked obscurity, highlighting regional weaving traditions often featuring geometric motifs, stripes, or floral designs made from wool or cotton on simple looms. Ulrich's watercolor technique shines in its luminous hues and fine details, translating the three-dimensional weave into a flat, vivid study that feels almost tactile. As a snapshot of 19th-century domestic life, it underscores the artistic ingenuity of anonymous makers, inviting us to appreciate how everyday artistry wove the fabric of American identity.

About the Artist

Alois E. Ulrich · 1855–present

Alois E. Ulrich was an American artist active primarily around 1935, best known for his precise watercolor and graphite renderings of American textiles, quilts, coverlets, and Shaker artifacts. His documented output consists of seventeen works held in the National Gallery of Art’s Index of American Design collection, a Depression-era initiative that systematically recorded examples of historic Ame...