Crock c. 1940

Isadore Goldberg made this watercolor and graphite rendering of a crock, preserving its form and decoration on paper. Born in Prussia, Goldberg immigrated to the United States; his later work with the Index of American Design, a division of the WPA, supported artists during the Depression. The Index sought to document and preserve examples of American material culture, reflecting a desire to define and celebrate a national identity rooted in craft and folk traditions. This particular crock, with its sturdy form and hand-painted floral design, speaks to the values of utility and beauty. These objects often occupied a central place in the domestic sphere, representing a connection to the land, labor, and community. One can imagine the crock in a farmhouse kitchen, filled with provisions. Goldberg's rendering elevates this everyday object to the realm of art, inviting us to reflect on the cultural meanings embedded in the objects we surround ourselves with. It emphasizes the importance of understanding our history through the lens of everyday lives and material culture.