Salt Shaker

Art Historical Context

Behold the delicate rendering of a *Salt Shaker* by Wellington Blewett, created between 1935 and 1942 as part of the Index of American Design. This and graphite work on paper, measuring x 24.6 cm, captures the humble elegance of an everyday American household object with meticulous precision. Housed in the National Gallery of Art, it exemplifies the project's mission to celebrate the nation's decorative arts through artistically faithful depictions. The Index of American Design was a landmark initiative of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, employing artists to document folk art, crafts, and utilitarian objects from America's past. Blewett's contribution highlights the artistry in ordinary items like this salt shaker, preserving cultural heritage at a time when economic hardship threatened traditional craftsmanship. Watercolor brings subtle tones and textures to life, while graphite adds fine details, creating a hyper-realistic study that bridges fine art and design documentation. This piece invites us to appreciate the ingenuity of American makers, transforming a simple kitchen tool into a symbol of national identity. It's a testament to how everyday objects embody history, inviting visitors to ponder the stories behind the salt on our tables.

About the Artist

Wellington Blewett · 1875–1962

**Wellington Blewett (1875–1962)** was a Canadian-born American artist renowned for his meticulous watercolor renderings of everyday American folk objects. Active primarily in the late 1930s, Blewett contributed significantly to the Index of American Design, a Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) that sought to document the nation's vernacular artistic heritage through...