Toy Train
1935/1942
Medium
watercolor and graphite on paperboard
Dimensions
overall: 23 x 30.6 cm (9 1/16 x 12 1/16 in.) Original IAD Object: 9" long
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.16665
Art Historical Context
**Toy Train** by Francis Law Durand captures the charm of American craftsmanship in a precise watercolor and graphite rendering on paperboard measuring 23 x 30.6 cm. Created between 1935 and 1942, this work depicts a classic toy train, originally about 9 inches long, the detailed engineering and playful design of everyday objects from America's past. Durand's meticulous technique blends soft watercolor washes for depth and texture with graphite lines for sharp outlines, bringing the toy's wooden form and metallic accents to life. This artwork is part of the ** of American Design**, a Federal ...
About the Artist
Francis Law Durand
**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), ...