Alfred Parys

Alfred Parys was an American artist active during a concentrated period, with documented output spanning 1935 through 1940. His professional activity aligns closely with the federal arts initiatives established during the Great Depression. Parys is recognized for his contribution to the Index of American Design (IAD), a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project dedicated to creating accurate, high-quality documentation of historical American folk and decorative arts.

The fifteen works attributed to Parys within the index are technical studies, typically rendered in watercolor or graphite, focusing on craftsmanship, design, and historical detail rather than traditional easel painting. His specialized subjects record functional and domestic objects from early American history. Works represented in collections include detailed studies of applied arts such as Tavern Sign, Red Glazed Preserve Jar, Bottle, Bowl, and Covered Jar.

Parys's contribution to this important historical project established the museum-quality of his meticulous draftsmanship. His documented works are preserved today in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The studies produced under the IAD, often sought after as Alfred Parys prints, have entered the public domain, ensuring this historically significant downloadable artwork remains widely available for research and appreciation.