Rattle

Art Historical Context

Behold the charming *Rattle*, a meticulously rendered watercolor and graphite depiction Rex F. Bush, between 1935 and1942. This 35.7 x 24.5 cm work on paperboard captures a modest 6 1/4-inch-long folk object from everyday American life, likely a child's toy or shaker that embodies the ingenuity of vernacular design. Housed in the National Gallery of Art Index of American Design collection, it invites visitors to appreciate the simple beauty of objects shaped by cultural traditions. As part of the Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, the Index of American Design commissioned artists like Bush to document America's rich heritage of folk art and crafts. Through precise, vibrant renderings, these works preserved the essence of regional craftsmanship—from motifs and materials to wear and patina—creating a visual archive for future generations. Bush's piece exemplifies this mission, blending historical accuracy with artistic sensitivity. The medium of watercolor and graphite allows for luminous colors and fine details, mimicking the rattle's textures and hues while highlighting its cultural significance as a snapshot of American material culture. A delightful window into our past, it reminds us how ordinary items carry profound stories of creativity and community.

About the Artist

Rex F. Bush · 1915–2002

Rex F. Bush (c. 1915–2002) was an American artist best known for his meticulous contributions to the Index of American Design, a Federal Art Project initiative under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression era. Active primarily from 1935 to 1942, Bush produced watercolor, gouache, graphite, and pen-and-ink renderings on paperboard that documented everyday American folk ...