Hand Carved Cabinet c. 1953

Ethel Dougan made this watercolor painting of a hand-carved cabinet in 1937. Its plain shelves stand in stark contrast to the flamboyant carving at the top. Dougan was working during the Great Depression in America. At this time, the Index of American Design was created as part of the Works Progress Administration. Artists were employed to create a visual survey of American decorative and folk arts. The project offered work to artists but also served a social purpose in preserving and promoting American crafts and design during a period of economic hardship. The cabinet reflects an interest in historical styles, perhaps drawing on colonial or early American designs. The image subtly comments on the value of craftsmanship and the artistic heritage of the nation. To fully understand this artwork, you would want to look at records from the Index of American Design, exploring the social and economic context in which it was created. By studying these historical documents, we can better understand the meaning and significance of art.