Eagle

Art Historical Context

Behold the majestic *Eagle* by Jerome Hoxie, captivating watercolor and graphite rendering on paperboard created between 1935 and 1942. Measuring 27.8 x 37.7 cm, this work is a gem from the Index of American Design, a groundbreaking Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression. in 1935, the Index employed artists like Hoxie to meticulously document America's folk art, crafts, and decorative through precise, colorful illustrations, preserving cultural heritage amid economic hardship. Hoxie's technique shines in his delicate blend of watercolor's luminous hues and graphite's fine lines, faithfully capturing the eagle—a quintessential symbol of American strength and freedom. Likely inspired by a carved wooden eagle or patriotic motif from early American design, the rendering highlights intricate feathers, piercing gaze, and dynamic pose, evoking the craftsmanship of colonial and folk traditions. As part of the National Gallery of Art's collection, *Eagle* underscores the Index's legacy: over 15,000 works that celebrate everyday artistry and national identity. It invites visitors to appreciate how such symbols fueled American pride, bridging past and present in a single, soaring image.