Whirligig

Art Historical Context

**Whirligig** *Bernard Westmacott, c. 1937* Graphite on paperboard,29.7 × 22.7 cm (11 11/16 × 8 15/16 in.) *Index of American Design, National Gallery of Art* Bernard Westmacott's meticulous graphite drawing of a *Whirligig*, a charming rendition of a classic American folk art object standing about 12 1/4 inches high. Created around 1937, this work captures the whimsical essence of these wind-powered wooden sculptures—often carved figures with spinning arms or props, delighting gardens and porches across rural America from the 19th century onward. Westmacott's precise lines on paperboard highlight the object's playful form, textures, and craftsmanship, preserving its naive yet inventive spirit. As part of the *Index of American Design*, a Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression, this drawing reflects a national effort to document and celebrate everyday American design. Artists like Westmacott produced thousands of such renderings between 1935 and 1942, safeguarding folk traditions amid economic hardship. Housed in the National Gallery of Art, it underscores the cultural value of vernacular art, bridging artistry and heritage for future generations to appreciate.