Pa. German Cap Box
c. 1937
Frances Lichten captured the vibrant, swirling motifs of a traditional Pennsylvania German cap box in this meticulous 1930s study. Created during the Works Progress Administration era, her watercolors served as vital historical records, preserving the bold orange, yellow, and green floral designs of early American folk artisans before they faded into obscurity. The piece shows both the oval lid and the side panels, highlighting the charming, hand-painted imperfections and cracked wood of the original object. It's a beautiful snapshot of a time when everyday household items were treated as canvases for folk expression.