Money Vest
1935/1942
Medium
watercolor and graphite on paper
Dimensions
overall: 37.3 x 50.9 cm (14 11/16 x 20 1/16 in.)
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.14222
Art Historical Context
"Money Vest" is a captivating watercolor and graphite rendering by artist John Thorsen, between 1935 and1942. Measuring 37.3 x 50.9 cm, this precise drawing on paper belongs to the esteemed Index of American Design, treasure trove of American artistic heritage now housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W department. As part of the Federal Art under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, the Index commissioned artists like Thorsen to meticulously document everyday American objects, folk crafts, and designs. Watercolor and graphite were ideal for capturing intr...