Pa. German Pie Dish c. 1937

Editor: This watercolor painting depicts a Pa. German Pie Dish from around 1937, by C.W. Perky. The folk-art style feels very charming, and I’m drawn to the earthy colors and the simple flower motif. What historical significance does this dish hold, beyond just being decorative? Curator: That’s a great question! Think about Pennsylvania German folk art in the broader cultural landscape of the 1930s. This was a period when many Americans were looking to the past, to simpler times, in the face of economic hardship. The Pennsylvania German traditions, with their emphasis on handcraftsmanship and connection to the land, resonated with that sentiment. Consider the role of institutions like museums and historical societies during this period; were they actively promoting and preserving this type of folk art? Editor: I suppose they would be. It’s interesting how art can reflect and respond to broader social trends. The pie dish itself, being a humble, domestic object, also speaks to the everyday life of that era, doesn't it? Curator: Precisely! It’s a reminder that art isn't just something found in galleries. The decorative choices of everyday objects, even something as simple as a pie dish, provide insights into values, beliefs, and cultural identity. Did C.W. Perky create this object to be functional, decorative, or representative? What might influence the choices to make the design or the painting itself? Editor: I never thought of it that way – the role of art in everyday life, being something valuable in addition to beauty, or decoration, or representation. Thank you so much! Curator: Of course! And remembering to view these artworks through the lens of their specific time, place, and societal factors enhances our understanding.