Paper Knife

Art Historical Context

This vibrant rendering of a *Paper Knife*, created around 1938 by artists Gordon Saltar and Vincent. Rosel, captures elegance of an everyday American craft object through delicate watercolor, graphite, andache on paper. Measuring28 x 22.3 cm, the work showcases meticulous detailing in its handle and blade, highlighting the artistry of functional design from America's decorative traditions. As part of the *Index of American Design*—a landmark Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) from 1935 to 1942—this piece exemplifies a national effort to document and celebrate U.S. folk art and craftsmanship during the Great Depression. Hundreds of artists produced over 15,000 such watercolor studies of objects like tools, furniture, and utensils, preserving cultural heritage that might otherwise be lost to time. The mixed media technique—graphite for precise outlines, gouache for opaque vibrancy, and watercolor for subtle shading—brings the paper knife to life, emphasizing its material textures and historical charm. Housed in the National Gallery of Art, it invites visitors to appreciate how ordinary items reflect America's inventive spirit and artisanal legacy.