Francisco Alvarez

Francisco Alvarez was active during the short period spanning 1936 to 1940, contributing significantly to the federal arts initiatives of the American Depression era. His documentation work is directly associated with the Index of American Design (IAD), a comprehensive program under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) dedicated to cataloging and documenting American decorative arts and folk objects.

Alvarez specialized in creating meticulous, high-quality renderings of domestic artifacts, which served as crucial visual records for scholars and designers. His documented works are represented in collections, including the National Gallery of Art. Five specific renderings attributed to Alvarez are known, including detailed illustrations of early American domestic furnishings such as a Bible Box and a Side Chair (one of a pair).

His contributions also extend to the documentation of metalwork, providing accurate representations of early American silver. These precise records include two distinct examples of a Silver Creamer and a Silver Pap Boat. The importance of the Index of American Design ensures that the original documentation, including renderings by Alvarez, is frequently available in the public domain, serving as a primary source for historical research and often available as downloadable artwork for study. These museum-quality records provide essential insight into American material culture.