This is a drawing of a decorative bellows with floral motifs. The main focal point is an intricately designed bellows placed centrally on the canvas. It has a richly detailed and ornate surface with a large cluster of flowers painted on the center. The bellows material appears to be wood with leather, detailed with shading and outlines. There are also two additional technical sketches, one on the lower left and the other on the upper right, showing different views or components of the bellows. The background is a soft beige. The use of line and shading in the piece adds an element of realism and detailed craftsmanship.
Read the visual description

This is a drawing of a decorative bellows with floral motifs. The main focal point is an intricately designed bellows placed centrally on the canvas. It has a richly detailed and ornate surface with a large cluster of flowers painted on the center. The bellows material appears to be wood with leather, detailed with shading and outlines. There are also two additional technical sketches, one on the lower left and the other on the upper right, showing different views or components of the bellows. The background is a soft beige. The use of line and shading in the piece adds an element of realism and detailed craftsmanship.

National Gallery of Art · Index of American Design

Bellows

American 20th Century

Date
1935/1942
Medium
watercolor, gouache, and graphite on paperboard
Dimensions
overall: 48.9 x 36.6 cm (19 1/4 x 14 7/16 in.)
Classification
Index of American Design · Drawing
Accession number
1943.8.8657
Credit line
Index of American Design
Time span
1926 to 1950
Department
CG-W

Subjects and terms

  • Philadelphia
  • American
Inscription

verso: across bottom in watercolor: R. Lanes / Manufactory / PHILAD / BELONGED TO LYDIA POULTNEY (THOMPSOM) / M, 11-29-1809 / to James B. Thompson / John T. & LYDIA T.MORRIS

NGA object ID 20854. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.