Stirrup

Art Historical Context

Behold the intricate *Stir* by Cecil Smith, a captivating watercolor, graphite, and gouache on paper created between 1935 and 1942. Measuring 55.7 x 36.5 cm, this work is a gem from the Index of American Design, a Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression Artists like Smith meticulously documented everyday American objects—folk art, crafts, and tools—to celebrate the nation's cultural heritage and provide employment for creatives. Smith's masterful use of mixed media brings the humble stirrup to life with remarkable precision. Graphite sketches provide fine structural details, while vibrant watercolors and opaque gouache add depth, texture, and luster, mimicking the metal's gleam and handcrafted patina. This technique, emblematic of the Index's hyper-realistic style, transforms a functional equestrian accessory into a study of American ingenuity and craftsmanship. As part of the National Gallery of Art's collection, *Stirrup* underscores the Index's enduring legacy: preserving vanishing traditions amid modernization. It invites us to appreciate the artistry in the ordinary, reminding visitors of the skilled hands that shaped early American life.