Clayton Clements

Clayton Clements was an artist active for a concentrated period between 1939 and 1943. Clements’s verifiable output consists of studies dedicated to documenting American decorative arts and folk designs, represented by nine entries in the Index of American Design. This specialized documentation work establishes Clements within the historical record as a contributor to major efforts focused on preserving the visual heritage of the United States during the Depression era.

Clements’s work is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The documented studies focus primarily on sculptural and technical records of utilitarian objects. Notable pieces represented in museum collections include the detailed records Carousel Rooster and Lion Head, along with studies focusing on carving techniques, such as Wood Carving - Flower, Wood Carving - Horizontal, and Wood Carving - Scroll. These records provide important historical context for American craft and represent museum-quality documentation of ephemeral art forms.

Due to the historical and governmental nature of the Index of American Design, the work of Clayton Clements prints and studies often resides within the public domain. This accessibility allows researchers and enthusiasts to obtain high-quality prints and downloadable artwork. The historical significance of Clements’s careful documentation ensures their continued availability for reference and study.