Eugene Barrell

Eugene Barrell was an artist active in 1935 whose output is documented primarily through detailed renderings of American decorative arts. Fifteen of these works, identified as index of american designs, are represented in museum holdings, establishing Barrell’s role in documenting historical American material culture during the mid-twentieth century.

Barrell's documented works function as careful studies of early American artifacts, focusing on functional and decorative objects. Specific works cataloged include the Camphene Lamp, a Cast Iron Figure, and a detailed rendering of a Chest, along with multiple documented lighting fixtures titled Lamp. These drawings are crucial visual records that offer researchers and historians precise information regarding the construction and design of historical objects.

The documentation produced by Barrell is today preserved in significant institutional collections, including the National Gallery of Art. As high-quality prints, these works ensure the permanent record of artifacts that may otherwise be vulnerable. Eugene Barrell prints, often falling into the public domain due to the nature of their creation, remain available for scholarly access and preservation efforts.