Bench c. 1936

Edward Jewett made this watercolor painting of a bench, which is part of the Index of American Design. Active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jewett was part of a generation grappling with rapid industrialization and its impact on American identity. The Index of American Design, active during the New Deal era, sought to preserve and celebrate American folk art and craft traditions, offering a counter-narrative to mass production. The bench, depicted with careful attention to its handcrafted details, becomes more than just a piece of furniture. It represents a connection to a past, a sense of community, and the dignity of labor. The Index of American Design was part of the WPA, a project made possible by the government; during a time of economic distress, this project offered work and support for artists.