Slipper
c. 1940
Medium
graphite and colored pencil on paper
Dimensions
overall: 29.4 x 22.8 cm (11 9/16 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
1943.8.2645
Art Historical Context
**Slipper** by Melita Hofmann, around 1940, is a rendering in graphite and colored pencil on, measuring 29.4 x 22.8 cm. Part of the National Gallery of's Index of American Design, this work exemplifies the meticulous documentation of everyday American objects from the nation's folk art heritage. Hofmann, an artist employed in this ambitious project, captures the slipper's intricate form with fine lines and subtle hues, highlighting its craftsmanship and charm. The Index of American Design, launched in 1935 under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, aimed to cel...
About the Artist
Melita Hofmann
Melita C. Hofmann (1907–1976) was a prolific American artist, illustrator, and author whose multifaceted career bridged fine art, historical documentation, and natural history. Born on October 13, 1907, in Toledo, Ohio, her early education reflected a strong foundation in art and design. She graduated from Toledo University and the Parsons School of Design, earning a B.A. in art education from New...