Hickory Chair

Art Historical Context

Behold the *Hickory Chair*, meticulous 1941 rendering by artist E.J. Reynolds, the rustic charm of a classic American folk furniture piece. Created with watercolor, colored pencil, and graphite on paperboard (measuring 50.9 x 38.1 cm), this work showcases the chair's sturdy hickory construction—likely featuring steam-bent splats and woven seats typical of 19th-century Appalachian craftsmanship Reynolds' precise technique blends fluid watercolor washes for depth and texture with the fine detailing of colored pencil and graphite, rendering every knot and curve with documentary fidelity. This artwork is a gem from the Index of American Design, a New Deal-era Federal Art Project (1935–1942) that employed artists to document everyday American objects, preserving cultural heritage amid the Great Depression. By celebrating humble designs like the hickory chair—symbols of pioneer ingenuity and self-reliance—the Index highlighted the nation's artistic roots, influencing later appreciation for folk art. Today, housed in the National Gallery of Art, *Hickory Chair* invites us to admire not just a seat, but a slice of American resilience and handmade tradition.