Pa. German Band Box
c. 1937
This charming illustration documents a piece of Americana: a Pennsylvania German 'band box,' which was essentially a fancy storage container for hats and ribbons in the 18th and 19th centuries. The oval lid features a dashing figure in a red coat and feathered cap, framed by intricate geometric patterns, while the base below bursts with bold red and green floral motifs. Created around 1937 by Frances Lichten, this piece was part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) Federal Art Project, a massive government effort to employ artists and document American folk culture. Lichten’s work serves as a colorful time capsule, preserving the vibrant aesthetic of the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition for future generations.