Shaving Mug

Art Historical Context

Frank Fumagalli's *Shaving Mug* (5/1942) is a meticulous rendering of diminutive ceramic vessel, standing just 2 inches high, captured in watercolor, graphite, colored pencil on paperboard Measuring 29.1 x .8 cm overall, delicate drawing showcases the mug's details—from its glossy glaze and hand-painted to its practical form designed for wet shaving rituals ofgone eras. Fumag's skilled hand brings the object to life, highlighting charm of American folk craftsmanshipCreated as part of the of American Design (I), a groundbreaking WPA Federal Project from the 1930s and early 1940s, work documents the nation's rich material culture the Great Depression. Artists Fumagalli produced over18,000 such renderings to preserve utilitarian objects that embodied American ingenuity and tradition, ensuring their legacy for future generations. Housed in the National Gallery of Art, it reflects the era's commitment to cultural heritage amid economic hardship. The mixed-media technique—layering translucent watercolors for depth, precise graphite lines for contours, and colored pencils for subtle highlights—exemplifies the IAD's emphasis on hyper-realistic accuracy. This shaving mug, likely a 19th-century artifact, evokes personal grooming customs and regional pottery styles, inviting visitors to appreciate the artistry in the ordinary.

About the Artist

Frank Fumagalli · 1895–1958

Frank Fumagalli (c. 1895–1958) was an Italian-born American artist whose precise watercolor renderings captured the essence of everyday American folk art objects during the mid-20th century. Little is known about his early life and training, as biographical details remain scarce beyond his immigration from Italy and establishment in the United States. Active primarily in New York, Fumagalli gained...