Blanket Chest 1935 - 1942

Alfred H. Smith created this watercolor and graphite rendering of a Blanket Chest sometime in the 20th century. It offers us a glimpse into the world of American design and material culture. The chest itself, with its simple lines and visible joinery, speaks to a broader interest in Early American craftsmanship. We can also see the influence of the Colonial Revival movement, which saw a renewed interest in traditional forms and techniques as a way of reconnecting with an idealized past. This movement was partly driven by a sense of nostalgia and a desire to establish a distinctly American identity in the face of rapid industrialization. Smith's meticulous rendering of the chest, however, prompts us to consider the role of design and display in shaping our understanding of history. The Index of American Design, a New Deal project under the WPA that employed artists to record examples of decorative arts, suggests a complex interplay between artistic creation, cultural preservation, and government intervention. Examining the records of the WPA allows us to understand how the project shaped perceptions of American identity and artistic heritage.