Plaque

Art Historical Context

**Plaque** by Edmond Lorts (. 1941) is a captivating rendering from the *Index of American Design*, landmark WPA Federal Art Project initiative (1935–1942) that documented America's rich folk art and craft heritage during the Great Depression. This and graphite work on paperboard meticulously captures the details of a traditional American plaque, preserving cultural artifacts that might otherwise fade from view. Measuring 46 x 35.6 cm, it the project's mission to celebrate everyday design as vital national treasures. Lorts, one of many skilled artists employed by the Index, employed precise graphite underdrawing for accuracy, overlaid with vibrant watercolors to evoke the plaque's textures and colors. This hybrid medium allowed for both scientific fidelity and artistic vitality, making the renderings ideal for study and exhibition. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's collection, it reflects the era's push to value vernacular art amid economic hardship. Today, this piece underscores the *Index*'s enduring legacy: over 15,000 works that highlight regional craftsmanship, from quilts to ironwork. Visitors can appreciate how Lorts's sensitive technique bridges history and artistry, inviting us to rediscover America's creative spirit. (198 words)