Spur

Art Historical Context

Hazel Sheckler's *Spur* (1935/1942) is a meticulous rendering of an American folk craft object, capturing the intricate details of a traditional spur in watercolor, graphite, and pen and ink on paper Measuring 28.1 x 23 cm, this delicate work showcases Sheckler's skill in blending vibrant washes of watercolor for texture and depth with precise graphite and ink lines for sharp definition, evoking the metallic gleam and ornamental flair of equestrian gear rooted in American Western or frontier traditions. Created as part of the Index of American Design—a landmark WPA Federal Art Project from 1935 to 1942—this artwork documents everyday objects that embody the nation's cultural heritage during the Great Depression. Artists like Sheckler produced thousands of such plates to preserve vanishing folk arts, crafts, and designs, from quilts to tools, ensuring their study for future generations. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W department, *Spur* highlights the project's artistic and historical value: a celebration of utilitarian beauty in American design, where functionality meets decorative ingenuity. Visitors will appreciate how Sheckler's technique not only records form but revives the spirit of craftsmanship in an era of economic hardship.