Weather Vane

Art Historical Context

Behold the intricate *Weather Vane*, graphite drawing on paperboard by Bernard Westott, created around 1936. Measuring 22.9 x 28.5 cm, this precise rendering captures the essence of an original 24-inch-wide American folk object, showcasing Westmacott's skill in three-dimensional craftsmanship into meticulous two-dimensional detail. As part of the National Gallery Art's Index of American collection, it exemplifies the Federal Art Project's during the Great Depression. The Index of American Design (5–1942), a Works Progress Administration initiative, employed artists like Westmacott to document everyday American artifacts—celebrating the nation's cultural heritage through faithful reproductions. Weather vanes, often crowning barns and steeples, were quintessential folk art forms, blending functionality with whimsical motifs like animals or ships, reflecting regional pride and ingenuity from colonial times onward. Westmacott's graphite technique highlights subtle textures and contours, preserving a vanishing craft tradition amid industrialization. This artwork invites visitors to appreciate how ordinary objects embody America's inventive spirit, bridging utility and artistry in a single, elegant turn.