Wall Paper c. 1937

Elizabeth Valentine created this wallpaper design using watercolor, graphite, and ink, at an unknown date. The design blends national symbols with domestic floral patterns, a combination that encourages us to consider the role of national identity in the intimate spaces of the home. The prominent American eagle, clutching a banner reading "PLURIBUS UNUM," suggests patriotic fervor, while the surrounding images of cannons, rifles, and uniformed soldiers evoke military might. But these symbols of national power are softened by the delicate roses and ornate embellishments characteristic of wallpaper. It prompts us to ask: how do national narratives intertwine with personal experiences? What role does art play in shaping our understanding of home, nation, and identity? To answer these questions, we might look at design history, political theory, and the history of American nationalism. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.