Embroidered Banner
c. 1936
Medium
watercolor, graphite, and gouache on paper
Dimensions
overall: 33.6 x 24.5 cm (13 1/4 x 9 5/8 in.) Original IAD Object: 17" long; 29" wide
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.14997
Art Historical Context
Created in approximately 1936 by artist Evelyn Bailey, *Embroidered Banner* is a meticulous watercolor, graphite, and gouache rendering on paper, measuring 33.6 x 24.5 cm. This work captures the intricate details of an original embroidered textile object, roughly 17 inches long and 29 inches wide, showcasing the vibrant stitches and patterns of American folk craftsmanship. As part of the Index of American Design—a landmark Works Progress Administration (WPA) project from 1935 to 1942—Bailey's piece exemplifies the era's effort to document and celebrate everyday American design during the Grea...
About the Artist
Evelyn Bailey
Evelyn Bailey is an artist whose works have been preserved in institutional collections, though detailed biographical records — including dates, nationality, and training — are not readily available in current documentation. The limited information makes it difficult to place her work within a specific art historical context with confidence. The presence of her art in a museum collection indicate...