Who created "Spectacles"?

Spectacles was created by Frank Nelson in c. 1936.

When was "Spectacles" created?

This artwork was created c. 1936.

What medium is "Spectacles"?

Spectacles is watercolor, pen and ink, and graphite on paper.

Is "Spectacles" in the public domain?

Yes, Spectacles is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

Spectacles

Frank Nelson

c. 1936

Medium

watercolor, pen and ink, and graphite on paper

Dimensions

overall: 30.7 x 22.5 cm (12 1/16 x 8 7/8 in.)

Classification

Index of American Design

Department

CG-W

Museum

National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Credit

Index of American Design

Accession Number

1943.8.2253

Art Historical Context

**Spectacles** by Frank Nelson, created around 1936, is a meticulous rendering of an everyday yet iconic American artifact: a pair of early spectacles. Crafted in watercolor, pen and ink, and graphite on (30.7 x 22.5 cm), this work captures the delicate metal frames and lenses with precision, highlighting the craftsmanship of colonial-era eyewear. Nelson's drawing exemplifies the blend of technical accuracy and artistic flair, using fine ink lines for intricate details, soft graphite shading for depth, and watercolor washes for subtle tonal variations. As part of the *Index of American Design...

Spectacles

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