Ruby Vase

Art Historical Context

Behold the *Ruby Vase*, a captivating watercolor and graphite rendering by artist Ralph Atkinson, created around 1936. Measuring 11 x 9 inches, this delicate work on paper captures the luminous glow and intricate form of a classic American glass vase, its ruby hue evoking the elegance of 19th-century decorative arts. Atkinson's precise lines and vibrant washes highlight the vase's graceful curves and rich translucency, transforming a humble object into a study of light, color, and craftsmanship. This piece is a gem from the *Index of American Design*, a groundbreaking WPA Federal Art Project (1935–1942) that employed artists during the Great Depression to document America's folk and decorative heritage. Over 18,000 such renderings were produced, preserving vanishing traditions through meticulous, artistic interpretations rather than mere photographs. Atkinson's contribution underscores the project's mission: to celebrate everyday American ingenuity and foster national pride in our cultural roots. Today, housed in the National Gallery of Art, *Ruby Vase* invites us to appreciate how ordinary vessels embodied artistic excellence, bridging historical craft with modern appreciation. A testament to resilience and creativity in tough times!

About the Artist

Ralph Atkinson · 1913–1995

Ralph Atkinson (1913–1995) was an American artist whose precise and evocative watercolor renderings captured the essence of everyday American folk art objects during the Great Depression era. He is best known for his contributions to the Index of American Design, a monumental Works Progress Administration (WPA) project launched in 1935 that commissioned hundreds of artists to document the nation's...