Curtain Tie Back
c. 1936
Medium
watercolor and graphite on paperboard
Dimensions
overall: 29 x 23 cm (11 7/16 x 9 1/16 in.)
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.6162
Art Historical Context
**Curtain Tie Back** by Frank Fumagalli, created around 1936, captures the charm of an everyday American decorative accessory—a functional yet elegant holdback for curtains. Rendered in watercolor and graphite paperboard (29 x 23 cm), this piece exemplifies meticulous craftsmanship in its depiction of intricate details, likely highlighting tassels, braiding, or metallic accents of early 20th household design. Fumag's precise lines and vibrant washes bring the object's texture and form to life, inviting viewers to appreciate the artistry in utilitarian items. This work is part of the *Index of...
About the Artist
Frank Fumagalli
Frank Fumagalli (c. 1895–1958) was an Italian-born American artist whose precise watercolor renderings captured the essence of everyday American folk art objects during the mid-20th century. Little is known about his early life and training, as biographical details remain scarce beyond his immigration from Italy and establishment in the United States. Active primarily in New York, Fumagalli gained...