Shaving Stand
c. 1941
Medium
gouache and graphite on paper
Dimensions
overall: 54.2 x 47.4 cm (21 5/16 x 18 11/16 in.) Original IAD Object: none given
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.5601
Art Historical Context
Behold the *Shaving Stand*, a gouache and graphite rendering by Joseph Cannella, created around 1941. This detailed depiction captures an elegant American antique—a functional yet ornate piece of furniture likely used for grooming rituals in early households. Measuring 21 5/16 x 18 11/16 inches, the work showcases Cannella's skillful use of gouache, an opaque watercolor medium prized for its rich, matte colors and precision, layered with fine graphite lines to highlight intricate carvings, veneers, and hardware. As part of the Index of American Design, a landmark WPA Federal Art Project from ...