Spinning Wheel

Art Historical Context

"Spinning Wheel" is a meticulous rendering by artist Maud M. Holme, created around 1938. This watercolor, graphite, and colored work on paper measures 26.7 x 35.4 cm and depicts a traditional American spinning wheel, an original object standing 55 inches high and 56 inches. Holme's precise drawing captures the wheel's intricate wooden construction, from its turned spindles to its functional form, evoking the craftsmanship of early American domestic life. As part of the Index of Design (IAD), a Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, this artwork exemplifies a national effort to document and celebrate everyday American folk objects. Launched in 1935, the IAD employed artists across the U.S. to produce thousands of detailed plates preserving regional design heritage before it faded from modern life. Holme's contribution, housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W department, highlights the spinning wheel's role in colonial self-sufficiency and textile production. The mixed-media technique—watercolor for subtle hues, graphite for fine lines, and colored pencil for depth—allows for a lifelike yet stylized portrayal, blending artistic skill with documentary accuracy. This piece not only showcases Holme's talent but also underscores the cultural value of humble tools in shaping American identity, inviting visitors to appreciate our shared artisanal past.