Trunk

Art Historical Context

"Trunk," created around 1940 by artist Josephcadenti, is a watercolor and graphite rendering on paper, measuring 35.7 x 45.6 cm. It depicts an American trunk—likely a sturdy travel or storage chest—originally 30 inches long, inches wide, and inches high. Ficcadenti's precise draftsmanship captures the object's form, textures, and hardware with remarkable clarity, evoking the practical craftsmanship of early American furniture. This work is part of the Index of American Design (IAD), a groundbreaking WPA Federal Art Project from 1935 to 1942. During the Great Depression, over 200 artists documented thousands of everyday American objects—from folk art to decorative designs—to celebrate and preserve the nation's cultural heritage. Ficcadenti's contribution highlights regional woodworking traditions, showcasing how such trunks served pioneers, travelers, and households with their durable construction and simple elegance. Through layered watercolors for depth and graphite for fine details, the piece exemplifies the IAD's goal of blending artistry with documentation. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's collection (Department CG-W), it invites visitors to appreciate the unassuming beauty of vernacular design, bridging art history with America's inventive spirit.