Linen Press 1935 - 1942

Dorothea Farrington made this watercolor painting of a linen press at an unknown date. The Index of American Design, for which Farrington worked, was a program implemented during the Great Depression to document American decorative arts and folk art. This project offers a valuable insight into the cultural values of the time. It reflects a desire to preserve and celebrate American craftsmanship, particularly during a period of economic hardship and uncertainty. The choice of depicting a linen press suggests an interest in traditional domestic objects and the skills associated with them. The linen press, with its shelves and drawers, embodies the values of order and practicality. It speaks to the importance of maintaining a well-organized home, reflecting the social norms and expectations of domesticity. By studying such images alongside historical records, we can develop a more nuanced understanding of the cultural and social contexts in which art is produced and consumed.