Decoy (Gull)

Art Historical Context

**Decoy (Gull)** by Mina Lowry, created between 1935 1942, is a captivating entry from the *Index of American Design*, Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA). During the Great Depression, this commissioned artists across the U.S. to document everyday objects, folk crafts, and vernacular designs that embodied American cultural heritage. Lowry's rendering preserves the charm of a traditional gull decoy—a carved wooden bird used by hunters to lure waterfowl—highlighting regional craftsmanship from coastal communities. Executed in watercolor and graphite on paperboard (28.6 x 36.7 cm), the work showcases Lowry's skillful blend of vibrant color washes and precise pencil lines. This medium allowed for lifelike detail, from the gull's textured feathers to its poised expression, making the functional folk object appear almost animated. Such techniques were hallmarks of Index artists, who aimed for scientific accuracy while celebrating aesthetic beauty. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W department, *Decoy (Gull)* underscores the cultural importance of American folk art in everyday life. It reflects hunting traditions and the ingenuity of anonymous makers, offering visitors a window into pre-industrial America and the WPA's role in fostering artistic documentation during tough times. A delightful nod to our shared past!

About the Artist

Mina Lowry · 1894–1942

Mina Lowry (1894–1942), an American artist born in Canada, emerged as a prominent portrait painter whose career bridged traditional portraiture and the documentation of American folk art. Immigrating to Buffalo, New York, with her family around 1901, she honed her skills early on, winning first prize for modeling at the Albright Art School and studying under the esteemed Florence J. Bach. Lowry fu...