Jar

Art Historical Context

Behold the delicate rendering *Jar* by Giacinto Capelli created around 1940 as part of the Index of American Design. This vibrant watercolor, graphite, and pencil work on paperboard (50.4 x 37.9 cm) now resides in the National Gallery of Art's collection. Produced under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression the Index was a monumental Federal Art Project that employed artists to meticulously document America's folk art, crafts, and decorative objects—preserving a vanishing cultural heritage through precise, colorful studies. Capelli's technique masterfully combines the fluidity of watercolor for luminous glazes, the precision of graphite for fine lines and contours, and the boldness of colored pencil for rich textures. This mixed-media approach not only replicates the jar's form and subtle patina but elevates it as a celebration of everyday American craftsmanship, likely rooted in regional pottery traditions. Today, *Jar* exemplifies how the Index bridged fine art and design history, fostering national pride in utilitarian beauty. It invites us to appreciate the artistry in the ordinary, reminding visitors of America's diverse creative legacy.

About the Artist

Giacinto Capelli · 1855–present

**Giacinto Capelli** (American, active c. 1935–1942) contributed significantly to the documentation of American material culture through his precise watercolor renderings as part of the Index of American Design, a Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Little is known about his early life or formal training, which remains sparsely documented, though his expertise in wat...