Plate 13: From the Portfolio "Folk Art of Rural Pennsylvania" c. 1939

This screenprint of a Pennsylvania Dower Chest was made around 1790 by an anonymous artist, likely a craftsperson decorating a hope chest. The simple, graphic forms and limited palette create a striking image. There's a playful process at work, a real joy in the making that shines through the shapes and colors. Look at the heart—the way it's slightly off-center, not quite symmetrical. It gives the image a warm, human quality. The colors, mostly reds, blues, and yellows, are laid down in flat, opaque blocks. You can almost feel the artist carefully filling in each shape, building up the design one layer at a time. The texture is smooth, almost like paper cutouts layered on top of each other. The star motifs in the lower corners are delightful, adding a touch of whimsy and folk charm. The composition reminds me a little of Henri Matisse's cut-outs, with its bold shapes and cheerful colors. It's a reminder that art is an ongoing conversation. This Dower Chest design invites us to appreciate the beauty of simplicity and the enduring power of folk art traditions.