Eagle

Art Historical Context

Behold the majestic *Eagle* by Flora Merchant, a watercolor and graphite rendering on paper from the Index of American Design, created between 1935 and1942. Measuring .8 x 40.6 cm, this work is part of a groundbreaking New Deal-era project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA During the Great Depression, over 200 artists meticulously documented thousands of American folk art objects, crafts, and designs through precise, life-sized watercolor studies. Merchant's contribution preserves a quintessential symbol of American identity—the eagle—in vivid detail. Crafted with watercolor for luminous color and graphite for fine lines and textures, the piece exemplifies the Index's goal of accurate reproduction. These techniques allowed artists to capture the essence of everyday decorative arts, from weathervanes to signs, ensuring cultural treasures endured beyond their physical forms. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W department, *Eagle* highlights the eagle's enduring role in U.S. iconography, evoking patriotism and freedom. Today, it invites visitors to appreciate how WPA artists like Merchant championed American heritage, blending artistry with historical preservation during tough times. A soaring testament to creativity's resilience!