Swinging Fan

Art Historical Context

"Swinging Fan," created around 1937 by artist Al Curry, is a captivating watercolor and graphite rendering on paper, measuring 36.2 x 44.3 cm. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Index of American Design collection, this work exemplifies the meticulous documentation of everyday American objects from the nation's cultural heritage. Produced as part of the Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, the Index of American Design (1935–1942) employed artists like Curry to capture the essence of folk art, crafts, and design through precise, colorful illustrations. "Swinging Fan" likely depicts a whimsical American fan—perhaps a decorative household item evoking leisure and ingenuity—highlighting regional craftsmanship and vernacular aesthetics that defined pre-industrial life. Curry's use of watercolor brings vibrant hues and subtle textures to life, while graphite adds fine details, making the object appear almost tangible. These techniques not only preserved vanishing traditions amid modernization but also celebrated America's diverse artistic legacy, offering visitors a window into the ingenuity of ordinary Americans.

About the Artist

Al Curry · 1855–present

**Al Curry** (American, active c. 1935) was a skilled draftsman whose precise renderings captured the essence of American folk art and vernacular craftsmanship during the Great Depression era. Little is known about his early life or formal training, as biographical details remain sparsely documented. Curry gained prominence through his contributions to the Index of American Design, a Federal Art P...