Pa. German Toy Turkey

Art Historical Context

Behold the charming *Pa. German Toy Turkey a watercolor and graphite rendering on paperboard by Selma Sand, created around 1940. This delicate work, measuring 28.8 x 22.4 cm, captures the form of a small wooden toy—originally just 4¾ inches long and 5 inches high—from Pennsylvania German folk traditions. Sandler's precise lines and vibrant washes bring to life the carved bird's plump body, sturdy legs, and playful expression, evoking the handmade joys of rural American childhoods. As part of the Index of American Design (IAD), a WPA-era project from the 1930s and 1940s, this piece documents everyday American craftsmanship amid the Great Depression. The IAD commissioned artists like Sandler to illustrate folk objects in public collections, preserving cultural heritage through detailed, museum-quality reproductions. Pennsylvania German (or "Dutch") toys, crafted by 18th- and 19th-century German immigrants in southeastern Pennsylvania, reflect a vibrant tradition of colorful, functional wood carvings symbolizing prosperity and festivity—think harvest-time turkeys! Sandler's technique masterfully blends graphite's fine detailing with watercolor's luminous hues, highlighting the toy's painted feathers and naive charm. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's collection, it invites us to appreciate how simple playthings embody immigrant ingenuity and enduring folk artistry. A delightful window into America's creative past!

About the Artist

Selma Sandler · 1917–2005

Selma Sandler (1917–2005) was an American artist whose meticulous watercolor renderings played a vital role in documenting the nation's folk art heritage during the Great Depression. Born on March 18, 1917, she contributed to the Index of American Design, a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project under the Federal Art Project that ran from 1935 to 1942. This ambitious endeavor employed artists...