Genevieve Jordan

Genevieve Jordan was an artist professionally active between 1935 and 1941. Her brief period of documented activity aligns with the era of major federal art initiatives aimed at chronicling American material culture and decorative arts. Jordan is known primarily for her precise documentary studies that captured the detail and craftsmanship of historical artifacts.

Her body of work is characterized by fidelity to the original design, emphasizing the preservation of visual documentation over artistic interpretation. The works represented in museum collections include studies of utilitarian objects and textile patterns. Documented works include Trivet, Cake Mold, Iron Ladle, and two separate studies of Crewel Wreath. These seven index of American designs are critical resources for understanding vernacular art traditions in the United States.

The importance of Genevieve Jordan’s work is underscored by its permanent inclusion in national collections. Her studies are notably represented at the National Gallery of Art. Due to their nature as governmental records, these historical renderings often reside in the public domain, allowing for downloadable artwork access by researchers. The detailed quality of her archival work ensures that these images continue to be utilized today, frequently reproduced as high-quality prints for scholarly and educational purposes.