Weather Vane - Horse

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the National Gallery of's showcase of American folk art! "Weather Vane - Horse is a captivating watercolor and graphite rendering by Sadie Berman, created around 1939. This detailed depiction captures a classic American weather vane shaped like a spirited horse, originally measuring 32 inches long Mounted atop barns and homes, these functional sculptures pointed the way of the wind while adding whimsical flair to rural landscapes. Berman's work is part of the Index of American Design, a groundbreaking WPA Federal Art Project from the Great Depression era (1935–1942). This initiative employed artists to meticulously document everyday objects of American craftsmanship, from colonial times to the early 20th century, preserving cultural heritage amid economic hardship. Through precise watercolor washes and graphite outlines on paperboard (36.8 x 52.7 cm), Berman highlights the vane's dynamic form, evoking the artistry of anonymous blacksmiths and the horse's enduring symbol of American spirit and motion. These renderings not only celebrate folk traditions but also bridge fine art with vernacular design, reminding us of the ingenuity in everyday objects. A delightful nod to our nation's past!

About the Artist

Sadie Berman · 1897–1994

Sadie Berman (1897–1994) was an American artist best known for her meticulous contributions to the Index of American Design, a Federal Art Project initiative under the Works Progress Administration during the late 1930s and early 1940s. This ambitious endeavor commissioned artists across the United States to create precise watercolor renderings of everyday folk art objects, preserving the nation's...