Woman's Shoe

Art Historical Context

Behold the delicate *Woman's Shoe*, a captivating watercolor and graphite rendering by Francis Law Durand, created around 1938. This work is a gem from the Index of American Design, a WPA Federal Art Project from the 1930s and 1940s. by the U.S. government during the Great Depression, the Index commissioned artists like Durand to meticulously document everyday American objects—from folk art to industrial designs—preserving the nation's cultural heritage through over 15,000 precise illustrations. Durand's technique shines in the watercolor's luminous hues and graphite's fine lines on sturdy paperboard, capturing the shoe's texture, form, and subtle details with scientific accuracy and artistic flair. Measuring just 30.5 x 24.1 cm, it exemplifies the Index's blend of documentation and beauty, elevating a humble fashion item into a study of American craftsmanship. Housed in the National Gallery of Art, this piece underscores the era's celebration of vernacular design, reminding us how ordinary objects reflect evolving tastes in women's footwear during the interwar years. A testament to resilience and creativity, it invites you to ponder the stories stitched into everyday elegance.

About the Artist

Francis Law Durand · 1855–present

**Francis Law Durand (1906–1995)** Born on March 31, 1906, in Mount Holly, New Jersey, Francis Law Durand emerged as a skilled American draftsman and artist during the Great Depression era. Little is known about his early life or formal training, as biographical details remain sparsely documented beyond his professional output. By 1935, he was employed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), ...