Arthur G. Merkley

Arthur G. Merkley was an artist or documentarian active during the late 1930s, working primarily between 1935 and 1939. His known output is associated with the detailed rendering and documentation of American historical objects, specifically through the Index of American Designs.

Merkley’s documentation captures a range of functional and decorative artifacts typical of early American material culture. His documented works total at least fifteen entries and include studies of ceramics, textiles, and domestic accessories. Notable examples represented in collections include the Coverlet, Liquor Flask, Stone Storage Jar, and Stoneware Teapot. Merkley also recorded intricate patterns, such as the textile study Red and White Napkin (Deer Design).

This body of work is preserved in permanent collections, establishing Merkley’s contributions as significant historical records. Fifteen of these studies are held by major institutions, including the National Gallery of Art. As archival documentation of historical artifacts, the images created by Arthur G. Merkley are frequently available today as downloadable artwork, often utilized for educational and research purposes as royalty-free documentation. These museum-quality records continue to serve as key references for the study of American design history.