George File

George File was an artist documented as active between 1935 and 1937, contributing to the extensive federal initiative known as the Index of American Design. This project, established under the Works Progress Administration (WPA), aimed to create a comprehensive pictorial survey of American decorative arts and folk culture from the colonial period to the close of the nineteenth century. File's activity placed him firmly within this context of detailed, documentary illustration, emphasizing historical accuracy and material culture.

The artist is represented by fifteen documented works completed for the Index of American Design, which focus on studies of domestic objects and historical figures. Specific documented examples of his output include Civil War Soldiers, Hoe, Teapot, and detailed renderings of a Puppet.

These contributions confirm George File’s role in preserving visual records of American heritage. Today, representations of his work are held in major institutional collections, including the National Gallery of Art. As many works from this era fall within the public domain, high-quality prints and downloadable artwork are frequently utilized by historians. Enthusiasts interested in early American material culture often seek out George File prints for reference and study.