Match Holder

Art Historical Context

Behold the *Match Holder*, a vibrant watercolor and graphite rendering by Robert Schuerer, created 1937. Measuring 29.2 x 23 cm, this work on paperboard captures the charm of an everyday American object with meticulous detail and lively color. As part of the Index of American Design (IAD), housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W department, it exemplifies the project's mission to celebrate the nation's rich material culture through artist-made illustrations. Commissioned under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, the IAD employed talents like Schuerer to document folk art, crafts, and designs from America's past—everything from quilts to tools. Watercolor's transparency and graphite's precision allowed for faithful yet artistic reproductions, preserving items that might otherwise fade from view. This match holder, likely a whimsical household fixture, reflects the ingenuity of American vernacular design, blending utility with decorative flair. Today, Schuerer's piece invites us to appreciate the overlooked beauty in ordinary things, offering a window into pre-industrial domestic life and the enduring spirit of American craftsmanship. A true gem for design enthusiasts!