Cradle

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the National Gallery Art's showcase of the Index of American Design! "Cradle," created by Arsen Maralian in 1936, is a watercolor, colored pencil, and graphite on paper (23.1 x 29.2 cm) of a traditional American cradle. The original object measures an 40 inches long, 16 inches, and 26 inches high with 22-inch-wideers—evoking the gentle sway of lullabies and family life in early American homes. artwork emerged from the Index of American, a groundbreaking WPA Federal Art Project (19351942) during the Great Depression. Artists like Maralian documented everyday folk objects to celebrate and preserve America's cultural heritage, capturing intricate details of craftsmanship that might otherwise fade. Maralian's mixed-media technique masterfully conveys the cradle's wood grain, curves, and subtle hues, blending realism with artistic flair to highlight regional design traditions. Today, "Cradle" reminds us of the ingenuity in humble household items, symbolizing nurturing and continuity across generations. A testament to New Deal-era creativity, it invites reflection on how art can safeguard history.

About the Artist

Arsen Maralian · 1884–1948

Arsen Maralian is an artist whose biographical details, including his dates and nationality, are not well documented in standard reference sources. The limited archival record surrounding his life makes it difficult to reconstruct his training, artistic influences, or the period and place in which he was most active. Works attributed to Maralian suggest a personal artistic vision, though characte...