Horse Head Hitching Post

Art Historical Context

**Horse Head Hitching Post *Alexander Anderson, 1938* Watercolor, graphite, and pencil on paperboard, 35.4 × 24.3 cm *Index of American Design, National Gallery of Art* into the everyday artistry of America's past with Alexander Anderson's meticulous 1938 rendering of a *Horse Headitching Post*. This charming folk object, likely from the 19th century captures a utilitarian design turned decorative: a sturdy post topped with a realistically sculpted horse head, used to tether horses outside homes or businesses before automobiles dominated streets. Such whimsical hitching posts dotted rural and urban landscapes, blending functionality with local craftsmanship and a touch of whimsy. Created as part of the *Index of American Design*—a WPA Federal Art Project from the 1930s that celebrated the nation's folk heritage—Anderson's work preserves this artifact through precise documentation. During the Great Depression, artists like him rendered thousands of everyday objects, safeguarding cultural treasures from obscurity. His mixed-media technique shines here: graphite outlines sharp details like the horse's alert ears and flowing mane, while watercolor and colored pencil add lifelike texture and subtle hues, evoking weathered cast iron or carved wood. This piece highlights American ingenuity, where humble tools became folk icons, reflecting pride in craftsmanship amid rapid modernization. A delightful window into pre-automotive life! (198 words)