Pitcher

Art Historical Context

Step into the world of American design with *Pitcher*, a meticulous 1937 rendering by artist John Tarantino. Created as part of the Index of American Design—a groundbreaking WPA Federal Art Project from the Great Depression era—this watercolor and graphite work on paperboard (31 x 23.2 cm) captures essence of everyday American craftsmanship. The Index commissioned artists across the U.S. to document folk art, decorative objects, and utilitarian designs, preserving cultural heritage at a time when many artifacts faced obscurity or destruction. Tarantino's piece exemplifies the project's precision: vibrant watercolors bring out the pitcher's form, texture, and subtle colors, while graphite adds fine details like contours and highlights. This mixed-media approach on sturdy paperboard allowed for accurate, museum-quality reproductions, making intangible history vivid and accessible. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W department, it reflects the era's push to celebrate democratic design roots amid economic hardship. Today, *Pitcher* reminds us of America's inventive spirit in humble objects—pitchers that poured life into homes and hearths. Through Tarantino's skilled hand, it bridges past and present, inviting you to appreciate the artistry in the ordinary.

About the Artist

John Tarantino · 1855–present

John Tarantino was an American artist active from around 1935 to 1953, best known for his meticulous contributions to the Index of American Design, a Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This ambitious initiative commissioned artists across the United States to create precise renderings of everyday folk art objects, preserving the nation's vernacular design heritage a...