Gold Purse

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the National Gallery of Art's showcase of the of American Design! *Gold Purse*, a vibrant watercolor and gouache rendering by artist Ralph Morton from around 1938, captures elegance of an American craft object. Created as part of the Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (PA) during the Great Depression, the Index employed talented artists like Morton to document everyday designs—from folk art to decorative objects—preserving America's rich material culture through meticulous illustrations. Morton's piece, measuring 30.5 x 22.9 cm on paperboard, showcases the precision of watercolor's fluidity combined with gouache's opaque, jewel-like intensity. This medium choice allowed for luminous golds and intricate details, faithfully reproducing the purse's ornate form and evoking its luxurious appeal, likely from the 19th or early 20th century. These WPA-era works hold immense historical value, celebrating American ingenuity and craftsmanship at a time of national recovery. They remind us how design reflects cultural identity, bridging past artistry with modern appreciation. A true gem in our collection!