Pa. German Whistle

Art Historical Context

**Pa. German Whistle**, a delicate watercolor and graphite rendering by Yolande Delasser around 1939, captures the charm of a traditional Pennsylvania German folk whistle measuring just 5 inches long and 2 inches high. Created on paperboard (35.3 x 24.6 cm overall), this precise depiction showcases the object's simple yet vibrant form, likely a carved wooden toy or signaling device from the Pennsylvania Dutch community. Delasser's skilled use of watercolor brings out subtle colors and textures, while graphite adds fine details, making the everyday artifact feel alive and treasured. This artwork is part of the *Index of American Design*, a landmark WPA Federal Art Project from the 1930s that employed artists to document America's folk art heritage during the Great Depression. By rendering over 18,000 objects with scientific accuracy, the Index preserved cultural treasures at risk of being lost, blending artistic expression with historical preservation. Delasser's contribution highlights the ingenuity of Pennsylvania German craftsmen, whose motifs often drew from European traditions adapted in the New World. Today, housed in the National Gallery of Art, this piece invites visitors to appreciate the humble beauty of American folk design—reminding us how everyday objects like a child's whistle embody immigrant stories, community spirit, and resilient creativity.

About the Artist

Yolande Delasser · 1855–present

Yolande Delasser was an American artist active during the mid-1930s, best known for her meticulous contributions to the Index of American Design, a Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Amid the Great Depression, this ambitious New Deal initiative commissioned artists to document America's rich heritage of folk art and utilitarian objects through precise watercolor ren...