Goat

Art Historical Context

**Goat** by Mina Lowry (c. 1940) is a delicate watercolor and graphite rendering on paperboard, measuring 34.2 x 28.2 cm. Created as part of the Index of American Design (IAD), this work meticulously documents a charming folk art carving of a goat—originally a three-dimensional object standing just 7 5/8 inches high. Lowry's precise technique captures the sculpture's whimsical form, texture, and patina, transforming a humble craft into a celebrated artifact now housed in the National Gallery of Art. The IAD, a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project from 1935 to 1942, employed artists during the Great Depression to preserve America's folk art heritage through over 15,000 detailed watercolors. Lowry, one of its skilled contributors, exemplified the program's goal of honoring everyday craftsmanship—often carved from wood by anonymous makers. Watercolor's fluidity paired with graphite's sharp lines allowed for lifelike accuracy, blending artistry with archival precision. This piece highlights the cultural vibrancy of American vernacular design, where animals like this endearing goat symbolized rural life and ingenuity. It invites visitors to appreciate how such modest creations reflect the nation's creative spirit, safeguarded for future generations.

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...