Wheel

Art Historical Context

**Wheel** by Hugh Clarke, created between 1935 and 1942, is a meticulous rendering in graphite and colored pencil on, measuring 35.4 x 21.2 cm. As part of the Index of American Design—a groundbreaking Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA)—this drawing captures the essence of an everyday American object with precision and artistry. Clarke, one of many talented artists employed during the Great Depression, contributed to a vast visual archive documenting the nation's folk art, crafts, and industrial, preserving cultural heritage at a time of economic hardship. The Index, active from 1935 to 1942, produced over 15,000 watercolor and graphite renderings of objects like tools, furniture, and utensils, elevating utilitarian items to fine art status. Clarke's use of graphite for fine lines and colored pencil for subtle hues highlights the wheel's form and function—likely a potter's or mechanical wheel—showcasing American ingenuity and craftsmanship. This technique allowed for accurate replication while infusing aesthetic appeal, bridging art and documentation. Today, housed in the National Gallery of Art's collection, **Wheel** exemplifies how New Deal initiatives not only provided jobs for artists but also fostered national pride in vernacular design. Visitors can appreciate its role in celebrating the beauty of the ordinary, a testament to America's diverse creative legacy.