Running Horse Weather Vane

Art Historical Context

Behold the *Running Horse Weather Vane a vibrant watercolor and graphite rendering by artist Gertrude Koch, created around 1940. This detailed depiction captures a dynamic folk art weather vane, originally 36 inches long, showcasing a galloping horse in mid-stride against a weathered, patinated surface. Measuring 29.3 x 40.7 cm overall, Koch's work on paperboard preserves the vane's sculptural form, intricate detailing, and lively motion, evoking the spirit of early American craftsmanship. As part of the Index of American Design—a Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) from 1935 to 1942—this piece documents everyday objects of American folk art. Koch, one of many skilled artists in the program, employed precise graphite underdrawing and luminous watercolor washes to highlight textures like rust and wood grain, making the functional weather vane a celebrated icon. Weather vanes like this, often handmade by blacksmiths, topped barns and homes, symbolizing regional pride and equestrian traditions in 19th-century America. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's collection, this artwork underscores the cultural value of vernacular design, bridging utility and artistry. It invites us to appreciate how ordinary objects embody our shared heritage.

About the Artist

Gertrude Koch · 1855–present

Gertrude Koch was an American artist active around 1935, best known for her meticulous contributions to the Index of American Design, a landmark Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Launched in 1935, this initiative employed artists across the United States to create precise watercolor renderings of everyday folk art objects, preserving a visual record of America's ve...