Weather Vane

Art Historical Context

**Weather Vane**, a meticulous graphite drawing by Rollington circa 1936, captures the charm of an American folk art object from the National Gallery of Art Index of American Design collection Measuring 29.1 x 23 cm, this work renders a weather vane originally about 18¼ inches square, showcasing Campbell's skill in translating three-dimensional functional art into precise two-dimensional form. Weather vanes, often perched atop barns and steeples, served practical purposes while embodying regional craftsmanship and whimsy—think spirited roosters or directional figures spinning in the wind. Created during the Great Depression as part of the Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Index of American Design (1935–1942) employed artists like Campbell to document everyday American design, from quilts to tools. This graphite rendering highlights the era's effort to celebrate and preserve folk traditions amid economic hardship, emphasizing technical accuracy over artistic flourish. Its cultural importance lies in safeguarding vanishing vernacular art, reminding us how ordinary objects reflect America's inventive spirit and regional pride. (178 words)