Weather Vane

Art Historical Context

**Weather Vane**, a precise graphite drawing by Joseph Stone from around 1937, captures essence of an American folk art object measuring 46 inches long and20 inches high. Rendered on paper (22.6 x 29 cm), this work belongs to the National Gallery of Art's of American Design collection, Stonefield's meticulous draftsmanship in documenting everyday artifacts with fine lines and subtle shading. Created as part of the Federal Art under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, the Index aimed to record and celebrate America's rich folk art heritage. Weather vanes like this one—often handcrafted from metal with whimsical figures or arrows—served both practical and decorative purposes on barns and homes, reflecting regional craftsmanship and community pride from the 18th and 19th centuries. Stonefield's rendering highlights the cultural significance of these functional sculptures, preserving their intricate details for future generations. Through graphite's versatility, he conveys texture and form, bridging utilitarian design with artistic appreciation in this enduring tribute to American ingenuity.