Plate 4: From Portfolio "Folk Art of Rural Pennsylvania"

American 20th Century

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of a stylized, colorful bird perched on a floral motif in the style of traditional folk art, similar to designs used in sgraffito pottery. The composition features a bird with a decorative tail consisting of layered curved patterns and vibrant colors like red, blue, and mustard yellow. The bird is perched atop a symmetrical floral arrangement with leaves and blossoms in similar colors against a neutral background. The artwork employs bold, flat colors and stylized shapes, typical of Pennsylvania folk art, capturing the aesthetic of handcrafted decorative arts. The text at the bottom notes that this design is from a sgraffito plate made by Georg Hubener in 1789, showcasing traditional craftsmanship.