Pa. German Stove Plate c. 1936

Elmer G. Anderson created this drawing of a Pennsylvania German stove plate. The composition is dominated by the stove plate's square shape, within which a central portrait is framed by a circular wreath. Anderson’s use of graphite creates a range of tonal values, suggesting the textures and depth of the original cast iron. The inscription at the top, along with the date of 1769, are rendered with precision, emphasizing their role as integral design elements. The stove plate itself merges folk art with industrial design. These plates often featured symbolic or commemorative imagery. The central motif of a female portrait encircled by foliage speaks to a complex interplay of identity, craftsmanship, and cultural memory. The artist uses the visual elements of line, form, and texture to communicate a sense of history. Notice the plate's physical presence and how this tangible quality links directly to a broader historical and cultural narrative. The drawing is not merely a representation but an encounter with an object laden with meaning.