Dress
c. 1939
Medium
watercolor and graphite on paperboard
Dimensions
overall: 45.8 x 38 cm (18 1/16 x 14 15/16 in.)
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.1558
Art Historical Context
This watercolor and graphite work, titled *Dress* and created around 1939 by Mel Hofmann, belongs to the Index of American at the National Gallery of Art The Index was a Depression-era initiative of the Federal Art Project that hired artists to produce meticulous visual records of American decorative arts, folk objects, and historic costumes. Hofmann’s rendering on paperboard exemplifies the project’s documentary approach, translating the textures, colors, and construction of a period garment into a precise yet lively illustration. Watercolor allowed artists to capture subtle hues and fabric ...
About the Artist
Melita Hofmann
Melita C. Hofmann (1907–1976) was a prolific American artist, illustrator, and author whose multifaceted career bridged fine art, historical documentation, and natural history. Born on October 13, 1907, in Toledo, Ohio, her early education reflected a strong foundation in art and design. She graduated from Toledo University and the Parsons School of Design, earning a B.A. in art education from New...