Mantel Clock

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of American decorative arts with *Mantel Clock*, a meticulously rendered study by artist Francis Law Durand, created in 1938. This detailed depiction captures a classic mantel clock—standing approximately 32½ inches tall and 19 inches wide—likely a cherished household heirloom from an earlier era. Durand's work showcases the clock's ornate design, evoking the refinement of 19th-century American homes where such timepieces served both practical and decorative purposes, often gracing fireplaces as symbols of prosperity and precision. As part of the Index of American Design (IAD), a groundbreaking WPA Federal Art Project from the 1930s, this artwork holds immense historical value. Launched during the Great Depression, the IAD employed artists like Durand to document everyday American folk and decorative objects through vibrant, accurate renderings, preserving cultural heritage for future generations. Housed in the National Gallery of Art, it highlights how ordinary items embody national identity and craftsmanship. Durand masterfully employed watercolor, colored pencil, pen and ink, and graphite on paperboard (35.5 x 29.1 cm), blending fluid color washes with precise lines to convey texture, shadow, and gleam. This mixed-media technique not only immortalizes the clock's intricate details but also underscores the IAD's mission: elevating utilitarian design to fine art, inviting us to appreciate the artistry in America's past.

About the Artist

Francis Law Durand · 1855–present

**Francis Law Durand (1906–1995)** Born on March 31, 1906, in Mount Holly, New Jersey, Francis Law Durand emerged as a skilled American draftsman and artist during the Great Depression era. Little is known about his early life or formal training, as biographical details remain sparsely documented beyond his professional output. By 1935, he was employed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), ...