Shaker Rocking Chair
c. 1936
Medium
watercolor, graphite, and gouache on paper
Dimensions
overall: 27.9 x 22.9 cm (11 x 9 in.)
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.16790
Art Historical Context
Behold the *Shaker Rocking Chair a meticulous 1936 watercolor, graphite, and gouache by Alfred H. Smith measuring a compact 27.9 x 22.9 cm. Part of the esteemed Index of American Design (IAD)—a Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration—this piece captures the essence of Shaker craftsmanship with precise lines and subtle color washes. Smith's mixed-media technique blends the fluidity of watercolor for wood grains and shadows with graphite's sharp detailing and gouache's opaque highlights, creating a lifelike study that invites viewers to appreciate everyday objects as art. Sh...
About the Artist
Alfred H. Smith
Alfred H. Smith was an American artist active from around 1935 to 1953, best known for his meticulous watercolor and graphite drawings documenting American folk and decorative arts. Little is known about his early life or formal training, as biographical details remain sparsely documented beyond his contributions to federal art initiatives. During the Great Depression, Smith participated in the In...