Brass Andiron c. 1937

Henry Meyers made this drawing of a brass andiron, but when isn’t known. Meyers was part of the Index of American Design, a New Deal project during the Great Depression to document American decorative arts and folk art. This andiron drawing is a record of a specific object, but it also reflects broader themes in American culture. The andiron itself speaks to domesticity and the hearth as the center of family life, idealized concepts during a time of economic hardship. The drawing, with its meticulous detail, elevates a functional object to the level of fine art, reflecting the democratic spirit of the New Deal, where everyday objects and the work of ordinary people were valued. The Index of American Design was part of a larger effort to create a national identity through art. By documenting and celebrating American design, the project sought to foster a sense of unity and pride during a time of great social and economic upheaval. To understand better this artwork, one could consult archives of the Index of American Design, exploring the social and political context of its creation.