Wrought Iron Banister Bracket
c. 1937
Medium
watercolor, pen and ink, gouache, and graphite on paperboard
Dimensions
overall: 50.8 x 32.4 cm (20 x 12 3/4 in.)
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.16616
Art Historical Context
Behold the *Wrought Iron Banister Bracket*, a captivating 1937 rendering by artist James McLellan, part of the National Gallery of Art's esteemed Index of American Design collection. This mixed-media work on paperboard—measuring 20 x 12¾ inches—beautifully captures the elegant curves and sturdy craftsmanship of a classic wrought iron architectural element, likely from America's rich tradition of ornamental metalwork. McLellan's precise depiction highlights the bracket's functional beauty, evoking the hand-forged artistry of 18th- or 19th-century builders who adorned homes and public spaces wit...