Woman's Shoe
c. 1936
Medium
watercolor and graphite on paperboard
Dimensions
overall: 30.7 x 23 cm (12 1/16 x 9 1/16 in.)
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.1938
Art Historical Context
This watercolor and graphite rendering of a woman's shoe, created around 1936 by Melita Hofmann, belongs to the Index of American Design collection at the National Gallery of Art. Executed on paperboard in a compact format of roughly 12 by 9 inches, the work demonstrates the careful observation and technical skill required to document decorative objects with both accuracy and visual appeal. The Index of American Design was a New Deal-era project that employed artists to produce precise visual records of American crafts, furniture, textiles, and everyday items. Hofmann’s contribution captures ...
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...