Swatches from Patchwork Quilt

Art Historical Context

**Swatches from Patchwork** (c. 1939) by Henry Granet captures the vibrant essence of American folk art through meticulously rendered fabric samples from a traditional patchwork quilt. Created as part of the Index of American Design—a groundbreaking WPA Federal Art Project from 1935 to 1942—this watercolor and graphite drawing on paperboard documents everyday objects that embodied the nation's creative spirit. Granet, a skilled illustrator, contributed numerous such studies, helping to preserve cultural artifacts amid the Great Depression when many were at risk of being lost. Patchwork quilts, pieced together from salvaged textiles, symbolize American ingenuity, thrift, and community traditions dating back to colonial times. Granet's precise technique highlights the quilts' bold colors, intricate patterns, and textural details, elevating humble crafts to artistic subjects. The Index aimed to celebrate regional diversity in design, from quilts to whirligigs, fostering national pride in vernacular arts. Measuring 45.7 x 35.3 cm, this work now resides in the National Gallery of Art's collection, offering visitors a window into 19th- and early 20th-century domestic life. It's a testament to how folk traditions influenced modern design sensibilities.