Statuette of a Dog

Art Historical Context

Nestled within the National Gallery of Art Index of American Design collection, *Statuette of a Dog* Yolande Delasser (c. 1938) is a captivating watercolor and graphite rendering on paper, measuring 28.6 x 21.8 cm. Created as part of the Federal Art during the Great Depression, the Index commissioned artists to meticulously document America's folk art and decorative objects. This precise depiction captures a charming three-dimensional statuette—originally 4 5/8 inches high, 4 1/4 inches long, and 2 1/8 inches wide—showcasing everyday craftsmanship that might otherwise fade from view. Delasser's skilled hand brings the dog's form to life through delicate watercolor washes for texture and graphite for fine lines, highlighting the statuette's whimsical curves and folkloric appeal. Likely rooted in 19th- or early 20th-century American vernacular art, such dog figures symbolized loyalty and home life, often carved from wood or molded in ceramic by anonymous artisans. This artwork underscores the Index's mission to celebrate democratic design, preserving cultural heritage amid economic hardship. Visitors will appreciate how Delasser's rendering not only revives a humble object but also connects us to the inventive spirit of American makers.

About the Artist

Yolande Delasser · 1855–present

Yolande Delasser was an American artist active during the mid-1930s, best known for her meticulous contributions to the Index of American Design, a Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Amid the Great Depression, this ambitious New Deal initiative commissioned artists to document America's rich heritage of folk art and utilitarian objects through precise watercolor ren...