Spiral Iron Candle Holder

Art Historical Context

Created around 1941 by artist Chris Makos, *Spiral Iron Candle Holder* is a meticulous rendering of a classic American folk craft object, captured in watercolor, graphite, and pen and ink on paper (40.8 x 33 cm). This detailed drawing depicts a 7-inch-high wrought iron candle holder with its elegant spiral form, evoking the sturdy, handcrafted ironwork popular in early American households. Makrenos's work beautifully translates the object's three-dimensional curves and metallic sheen into a vibrant, two-dimensional study, highlighting its functional beauty. As part of the Index of American Design (IAD), a Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) from 1935 to 1942, this piece belongs to a monumental effort to document and celebrate America's artistic heritage during the Great Depression. Artists like Makrenos created thousands of such precise illustrations of folk art, crafts, and designs, preserving cultural artifacts that might otherwise be lost. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's collection, it exemplifies the IAD's mission to foster national pride in everyday craftsmanship. The mixed-media technique—watercolor for subtle color gradients, graphite for shading, and pen and ink for sharp outlines—lends a lifelike quality, making the humble candle holder feel alive with historical resonance. Visitors will appreciate how this artwork bridges art and artifact, inviting reflection on America's inventive spirit.

About the Artist

Chris Makrenos · 1855–present

Chris Makrenos was an American artist active in the mid-twentieth century who contributed a substantial body of work to the Index of American Design, the New Deal-era federal project that documented American folk art and decorative culture through meticulous watercolor illustration. His works are held in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and span a wide range of subjects drawn from ...