Whiskey Bottle

Art Historical Context

**Whiskey Bottle** by Loraine Makimson, created around 1943, is a captivating watercolor and graphite drawing on paper, measuring 35.5 x 45.5 cm. This work belongs to the esteemed Index of American Design, a groundbreaking WPA Federal Art Project from the 1930s that commissioned artists to document America's rich folk art, crafts, and everyday objects through precise, colorful renderings. Makimson's depiction preserves the humble yet iconic form of a whiskey bottle, highlighting the ingenuity of American material culture during the early 20th century. The medium—watercolor for vibrant hues and graphite for fine details—exemplifies the Index's goal of creating accurate, museum-quality records that could inspire future artists and designers. These techniques allowed Makimson to capture the bottle's subtle contours, labels, and textures with lifelike clarity, transforming a commonplace item into a symbol of national heritage. Produced amid World War II, the piece reflects a moment when celebrating American identity through design became especially poignant. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W Department, this artwork invites visitors to appreciate how ordinary objects embody cultural stories. It's a testament to the era's artistic patriotism, reminding us that even a simple whiskey bottle can reveal the artistry woven into daily life.