Fred Weiss

Fred Weiss was an American artist active circa 1936, known primarily for his contributions to the Index of American Designs. This significant documentation project, often affiliated with the Works Progress Administration’s Federal Art Project, sought to create meticulous visual records of historical American decorative arts, folk art, and industrial design.

Weiss is represented by 15 works associated with the Index of American Designs currently preserved in museum collections. His output consists of detailed, factual renderings of diverse historical objects, including domestic items like the Batter Jar and Crock, and transportation-related designs such as the Brake, Buggy, and Cab or Cabriole.

The artist's documented works are held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, establishing the historical significance of these records. Because these illustrations were produced as part of a government initiative, many of these Fred Weiss prints are now considered part of the public domain. This accessibility allows researchers and enthusiasts to obtain high-quality prints and downloadable artwork for educational and reference purposes.