Mug

Art Historical Context

**Mug** by Giacinto Capelli (c. 1937) is a captivating watercolor and graphite rendering on paperboard, measuring 28.4 x 22.9 cm. Created as part of the Index of American Design—a groundbreaking WPA Federal Art Project from 1935 to 1942—this artwork documents everyday American objects, preserving the nation's rich tradition of folk art and craftsmanship during the Great Depression. Capelli, an Italian-American artist known for his precise draftsmanship, contributed numerous studies to this vast archive, now housed in the National Gallery of Art's Department of Modern and Contemporary Art. The piece exemplifies the Index's mission to celebrate utilitarian design through meticulous watercolor washes and fine graphite lines, which vividly capture the mug's form, texture, and subtle details. This medium allowed artists to highlight the handmade quality of American ceramics, bridging historical craft with modern documentation. Such renderings not only safeguarded cultural heritage amid economic hardship but also elevated anonymous makers to artistic prominence. Today, **Mug** invites visitors to appreciate the artistry in the ordinary, reminding us how WPA initiatives fostered national pride and artistic innovation during challenging times. A testament to America's creative spirit! (198 words)

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...