Rooster Coin Bank c. 1938

Editor: Here we have William O. Fletcher's "Rooster Coin Bank" from around 1938, made using coloured pencils and drawing techniques. There's something so quaint about these little roosters perched on their green stands. What historical perspectives might enrich our understanding of this drawing? Curator: Well, the first thing that strikes me is the representation of everyday objects during the late 1930s, likely produced through the WPA's Federal Art Project. These programs were fundamentally about redefining the artist’s relationship to society, embedding them within public works. How might this context alter your view? Editor: Knowing it’s part of the WPA project does shift my perspective. It feels less like a purely artistic expression and more like documentation or design. So, what’s the social message that would justify that sort of program? Curator: It is more than just about depicting a coin bank! It's about visually promoting economic stability, resourcefulness, and national identity during times of hardship, when saving pennies mattered more than ever. The rooster, a symbol of rural America and self-sufficiency, would strongly appeal to this mindset. Is the rendering style significant to you? Editor: I noticed the artist’s attention to detail, capturing the texture of the coin bank. Do you see any evidence of standardization and production within that style? Curator: Precisely! This level of rendering ensured efficient industrial production, yet the hand-drawn nature maintained a folksy, 'Made in America' aesthetic, a crucial political distinction back then. Consider the intended audience; the WPA programs directly engaged with and were funded by the American public. Editor: So, in a way, it was art promoting… well, not just saving money, but also promoting American resilience? It’s quite remarkable that a simple drawing of a coin bank could hold such rich cultural information. Thanks so much! Curator: Absolutely! Understanding the broader socio-political context is necessary to comprehend such "humble" objects and imagery fully, I have gained a new appreciation of their historic impact.