Printed Bedspread

Art Historical Context

**Printed Bedspread** by Edward Kibbee (c. 1938) is a captivating watercolor and graphite rendering on paper, measuring 43.5 x 56.5 cm. Created as part of the *Index of American Design*a groundbreaking WPA Federal Art Project from the 1930s—this artwork exemplifies the era's effort to document and celebrate America's rich folk art heritage during the Great Depression. Artists like Kibbee meticulously depicted everyday objects, from quilts to furniture, preserving cultural treasures for future generations. Kibbee's technique blends vibrant watercolors for lifelike color and texture with precise graphite lines for intricate details, transforming a humble printed bedspread into a study of American craftsmanship. These index sheets were not mere sketches but scholarly records, often including measurements and notations to aid conservation and appreciation. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W department, it highlights the bedspread's role in domestic life, showcasing patterns that reflected regional tastes and textile traditions. This piece underscores the *Index*'s lasting legacy: over 15,000 renderings that fueled a national pride in vernacular design. For visitors, it's a window into 1930s optimism, where art served both employment and cultural memory. (198 words)