Steeple Clock

Art Historical Context

**Steeple Clock** by Francis Law Durand captures the elegant simplicity of an American folk artpiece in a meticulously rendered1938 drawing. Created watercolor, colored pencil, and ink, and graphite paperboard (35.5 x 29.1 cm), this work depicts a classic steeple clock—measuring about 19¾ inches high, 10 inches wide, and4 inches deep in its original form. Durand's precise lines and subtle color washes highlight the clock's graceful proportions, from its tiered steeple top to its functional dial, evoking the craftsmanship of early American decorative arts. This artwork is part of the *Index of American Design*, a landmark Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression. Launched in 1935, the Index employed artists to document everyday objects of American heritage, preserving cultural identity through detailed renderings rather than photographs. Durand's contribution underscores the steeple clock's role in New England homes and public spaces, symbolizing ingenuity and regional pride. The mixed-media technique allows for rich texture and depth, blending fine draftsmanship with artistic interpretation to make historical objects accessible and alive. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's collection, it invites visitors to appreciate how 20th-century artists revived America's design legacy for future generations.

About the Artist

Francis Law Durand · 1855–present

**Francis Law Durand (1906–1995)** Born on March 31, 1906, in Mount Holly, New Jersey, Francis Law Durand emerged as a skilled American draftsman and artist during the Great Depression era. Little is known about his early life or formal training, as biographical details remain sparsely documented beyond his professional output. By 1935, he was employed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), ...