Ella Sterling

Ella Sterling was an artist whose documented activity spanned the brief period of 1935 to 1936. Their body of work is principally represented by contributions to the Index of American Designs, a vast governmental project focused on documenting indigenous American folk and decorative arts.

Fifteen works attributed to Sterling, categorized as index designs, are represented in museum collections, including the National Gallery of Art. The documented subjects reflect a commitment to historical and regional craftsmanship, combining both original artworks and meticulous renderings of artifacts. Notable works include the painting Clermont on Hudson, alongside detailed documentation of objects such as the Dolphin Candlestick, the Pa. German Love Chest, and the Patchwork Quilt. Sterling also documented furniture design, evidenced by the Chair - with Hudson River Scenes.

The diverse subjects covered by Ella Sterling prints and paintings provide significant documentation of early and regional American material culture. As part of these large historical initiatives, many of Sterling’s designs are today considered part of the public domain. Institutions often make high-quality prints of these historical records available for research and study.