Table
1937
Medium
watercolor and graphite on paperboard
Dimensions
overall: 22.8 x 27.7 cm (9 x 10 7/8 in.) Original IAD Object: 42" in diameter; 28" high
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.17387
Art Historical Context
Alfred H. Smith's *Table* (1937) is a meticulous watercolor and graphite rendering on paperboard, capturing the of an American-designed table measuring 42 inches in diameter 28 inches high. as part of the Index of American Design (IAD), this 9 x 10⅞-inch drawing showcases Smith's skill in translating three-dimensional craftsmanship into vivid, two-dimensional art. The medium's transparency and precision allowed for accurate color rendition and fine details, making it a faithful study of everyday American decorative arts. The IAD, a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the Great ...
About the Artist
Alfred H. Smith
Alfred H. Smith was an American artist active from around 1935 to 1953, best known for his meticulous watercolor and graphite drawings documenting American folk and decorative arts. Little is known about his early life or formal training, as biographical details remain sparsely documented beyond his contributions to federal art initiatives. During the Great Depression, Smith participated in the In...