Frances Lichten

Frances Lichten was an American figure active in the documentation of historical decorative arts during the mid-1930s. Her documented career centers on her contribution to the federally sponsored Index of American Designs, a vast archive project aimed at recording and preserving indigenous American design elements. Lichten was actively engaged with the Index project between 1935 and 1936.

Lichten’s work concentrated primarily on documenting specific examples of Pennsylvania German folk art and household objects. Fifteen studies and renderings attributed to her service on the Index are held in major institutional collections, most notably the National Gallery of Art. These pieces reflect a focus on historical textile and furniture design, providing precise documentation of regional styles.

Her known works include detailed studies such as the 1829 Show Towel, the illustrative rendering Pa. German Bird, and documentation of the Pa. German Dower Chest. These important records, often available in the public domain, highlight her specialized contribution to the archiving of American material culture. Today, many of these Frances Lichten prints are accessible as high-quality prints, serving as essential reference tools for historians and designers.