Pottery Jar with Lid
c. 1938
Medium
watercolor, colored pencil, pen and ink on paper
Dimensions
overall: 27.6 x 22.8 cm (10 7/8 x 9 in.) Original IAD Object: 10 1/2 High 6 1/2 Dia
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.6067
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the National Gallery of, where we celebrate America's artistic heritage through treasures like *Pottery Jar with Lid a meticulous rendering by Annie B. Johnston from around 1938. This detailed depiction captures a humble yet elegant earthenware jar, standing 10½ inches high and 6 inches in diameter, complete with its fitted lid. Crafted in watercolor, colored pencil,, and ink on paper (measuring 27.6 x 22.8 cm overall), Johnston's work showcases the jar's simple, functional form—likely a piece of traditional American folk pottery—highlighting its subtle curves, earthy tones, and eve...
About the Artist
Annie B. Johnston
Annie B. Johnston was an American artist active in the late 1930s, recognized for her contributions to the Index of American Design, the New Deal-era federal program that commissioned artists to create meticulous watercolor renderings of American folk and decorative arts objects. Working in watercolor, colored pencil, graphite, and pen and ink on paper, Johnston brought technical precision and sen...