Plate - "View of Washington"

Art Historical Context

Behold the captivating *Plate - "View of"*, a black-and-white photograph by Helmut Hiatt, created around 1936. This precise 8 x 10 inch image (20.3 x 25.4 cm) documents a charming decorative plate, originally 7 3/8 inches in diameter, surface adorned with a scenic view of Washington—likely evoking the grandeur of the nation's capital during a time of economic hardship. As part of the Index of American Design (IAD), a WPA Federal Art Project from 1935 to 1942, Hiatt's served a vital purpose: preserving America's folk and decorative arts through meticulous documentation. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W department, this work exemplifies the IAD's mission to celebrate everyday objects as cultural treasures, capturing fine details like textures and motifs with photographic accuracy that rivaled the era's artistic renderings. The plate's theme reflects early 20th-century pride in American landmarks, blending utility with patriotism. Hiatt's straightforward yet evocative technique highlights the object's historical charm, reminding us how such humble designs embodied national identity amid the Great Depression. A delightful window into our shared heritage!

About the Artist

Helmut Hiatt · 1855–present

Helmut Hiatt was an American photographer active in the mid-1930s, best known for his contributions to the Index of American Design, a monumental Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This ambitious New Deal initiative sought to document and celebrate the nation's folk arts and crafts through detailed renderings and photographs, capturing the essence of everyday Americ...