Hans Mangelsdorf

Hans Mangelsdorf was active between 1935 and 1938 as a primary contributor to the Index of American Design (IAD). Established during the Depression era, the IAD employed artists to create precise, high-quality renderings of American decorative arts, crafts, and folk objects predating 1900. Mangelsdorf's work focused specifically on documentation, resulting in factual visual records suitable for historical study.

Fifteen of Mangelsdorf's renderings from the Index of American Design are represented in museum collections, establishing the artist's role in producing meticulous, museum-quality visual material. The artist's detailed documentation focused on utilitarian and domestic artifacts. Works held in the National Gallery of Art collection include the rendering of a Sperm Oil Lamp, a Child's Dress, and a Cast Iron Coin Bank. Other documented artifacts include a Toy Bank and a Carved Casing. These highly accurate prints are often utilized today for research and are available as downloadable artwork through public domain resources.