Study for Proposed Portfolio "Decorated Chests of Rural Pennsylvania" 1941

This gouache painting, created in 1941 by an anonymous artist, is a study for a proposed portfolio titled “Decorated Chests of Rural Pennsylvania”. This artwork features a stylized floral design with a bird perched on top of a vase, reminiscent of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch folk art. The use of bold colors like red, yellow, green, and black, and geometric patterns is characteristic of the style, often seen in painted furniture or textiles. This study provides insight into the design process of the proposed portfolio, highlighting the vibrant and distinctive aesthetic of rural Pennsylvania decorative arts.