Salt Cellar

Art Historical Context

Behold the delicate *Salt Cellar*, a captivating rendering by artist John Tarantino, created around 1936. This work, executed in watercolor, graphite, andache on paperboard (measuring 28.9 x 22.7 cm), belongs to the esteemed Index of American Design collection at the National Gallery of Art. Tarantino's piece meticulously captures the form and ornamentation of a traditional American salt cellar—a humble yet essential tableware object—highlighting its graceful curves and functional elegance. As part of the Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, the Index of American Design commissioned over 15,000 such detailed illustrations by artists nationwide. This initiative aimed to document and celebrate everyday American folk art, crafts, and design traditions, preserving cultural heritage amid economic hardship. Tarantino's use of mixed media allowed for vibrant colors in watercolor and gouache, paired with the precision of graphite lines, creating hyper-realistic depictions that rival photographs in accuracy and artistry. Today, *Salt Cellar* stands as a testament to America's inventive spirit and the WPA's visionary role in blending employment with cultural documentation. It invites us to appreciate the artistry in ordinary objects, bridging past craftsmanship with modern appreciation.

About the Artist

John Tarantino · 1855–present

John Tarantino was an American artist active from around 1935 to 1953, best known for his meticulous contributions to the Index of American Design, a Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This ambitious initiative commissioned artists across the United States to create precise renderings of everyday folk art objects, preserving the nation's vernacular design heritage a...