Sconce

Art Historical Context

Behold the elegant *Sconce*, a graphite drawing on paperboard by Jack Stal, crafted between 1935 and1942. Measuring a compact 29.5 x 22.9 cm, this work captures the intricate details of a classic wall-mounted light fixture, highlighting its graceful curves and functional beauty. Staloff's precise lines in graphite—applied with fine control on the sturdy paperboard supportreveal his skill in rendering three-dimensional form with shading and texture, evoking the object's metallic sheen and ornate craftsmanshipThis piece is a gem from the Index of American Design, a landmark Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression. Launched in 1935, the Index commissioned artists like Staloff to document everyday American objects—from folk art to decorative designs—preserving the nation's cultural heritage through thousands of detailed renderings. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W department, it exemplifies how New Deal initiatives supported artists while safeguarding historical artifacts. Today, *Sconce* reminds us of America's rich tradition of utilitarian design, where form met function in colonial and early American homes. Its inclusion in the Index underscores the era's commitment to celebrating ordinary beauty, offering visitors a window into the artistry of the past.

About the Artist

Jack Staloff · 1855–present

Jack Staloff was an American artist and designer active during the 1930s and 1940s, best known for his contributions to the Index of American Design, a New Deal-era Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This ambitious initiative commissioned artists across the United States to create precise watercolor and graphite renderings of everyday American crafts, tools, and dec...