Sun Dial

Art Historical Context

Henry Meyers' *Sun Dial* (c. 1936), a watercolor and graphite rendering on paper measuring 30.6 x 22.9 cm, the essence of American folk art through precise draftsmanship Created as part of the Index of Design—a groundbreaking WPA Federal Art Project during the Depression—this work exemplifies the era's to document and celebrate the nation's artistic heritage. Meyers, one of many artists commissioned for the project meticulously depicted everyday objects, preserving their form and cultural resonance for future generations. Index of American Design produced thousands of such detailed studies between 1935 and 1942, blending artistic interpretation with scientific accuracy to highlight regional crafts, from quilts to tools. Here, watercolor lends subtle color and texture to the sundial's design, while graphite outlines ensure clarity and proportion—techniques that elevated functional objects into celebrated art. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W department and credited to the Index, *Sun Dial* reflects America's inventive spirit, where timepieces like this blended utility with ornamental charm, often rooted in colonial or vernacular traditions. This piece invites visitors to appreciate how 1930s artists like Meyers safeguarded vanishing designs, bridging past craftsmanship with modern appreciation.

About the Artist

Henry Meyers · 1855–present

Henry Meyers was an American artist active during the 1930s and early 1940s, best known for his contributions to the Index of American Design, a monumental Works Progress Administration (WPA) project that sought to document the nation's rich heritage of folk art, crafts, and decorative objects. Operating under the Federal Art Project, Meyers produced precise, watercolor and graphite renderings of ...