Pa. German Plate

Art Historical Context

Behold the *Pa. German Plate*, captivating watercolor rendering by artist Albert Levone created around 1937. This work depicts a traditional Pennsylvania German ceramic plate, emblematic of the folk art traditions brought by German settlers to colonial America. Levone's precise depiction captures the vibrant colors, intricate motifs, and sgraffito techniques typical of these handmade objects, which often featured bold floral patterns, hearts, and birds symbolizing prosperity and community. As part of the Index of American Design—a groundbreaking WPA Federal Art Project from 1935 to 1942—this piece exemplifies a national effort to document and celebrate everyday American craftsmanship during the Great Depression. Artists like Levone produced over 15,000 detailed studies of folk art, preserving regional heritages at risk of fading. Housed in the National Gallery of Art, it highlights the cultural richness of Pennsylvania Dutch communities. Levone employed watercolor, graphite, and gouache on paperboard to achieve luminous depth and meticulous detail, mimicking the original plate's glossy surface and layered glazes. At 35.8 x 27.9 cm, this intimate study invites visitors to appreciate how utilitarian objects embodied immigrant artistry and resilience, bridging history with modern appreciation.

About the Artist

Albert Levone · 1855–present

Albert Levone was an American artist who contributed to the Index of American Design, the Works Progress Administration's landmark program to document the nation's decorative arts heritage through precise watercolor rendering. Active during the late 1930s and early 1940s, Levone focused his work on the material culture of the Pennsylvania German community, producing renderings of objects that incl...