Whale Oil Lamp
1935/1942
Medium
graphite on paperboard
Dimensions
overall: 30 x 22.4 cm (11 13/16 x 8 13/16 in.) Original IAD Object: 8 3/4" high; 3 3/4" in diameter
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.12427
Art Historical Context
In the heart of the Index of American Design—a groundbreaking WPA Federal Art Project from 1935 to 1942—Joseph Stonefield's graphite drawing paperboard captures the humble yet essential whale oil lamp. Created between 1935 and 1942, this precise 30 x 22.4 cm rendition meticulously documents a historical artifact measuring 8 3/4 inches high and 3 3/4 inches in diameter preserving its form for posterity at the National Gallery of ArtThe Index aimed to celebrate America's folk art and decorative traditions amid the Great Depression, employing artists like Stonefield to render everyday objects wit...