Harry Grossen

Harry Grossen was an artist active in the documentation of American material culture between 1935 and 1938. His known work is entirely associated with the Index of American Designs, a division of the Federal Art Project established during the Great Depression to create a comprehensive visual record of American decorative arts and folk objects.

Grossen contributed precise, technical renderings to the Index. Fifteen index illustrations attributed to Grossen are represented in museum collections. These works document a range of historical objects, from domestic accessories to children's artifacts, including Toy Fire Engine, Bell, Boy's Boots, Glass Camphene Lamp, and Lantern. These Harry Grossen prints are valued for their detailed accuracy in preserving a visual inventory of utilitarian and artistic objects from the period.

Today, Grossen’s original documentation is preserved in the collections of major institutions, notably the National Gallery of Art. Given the origin of the works as part of a federal initiative, many of these illustrations reside within the public domain, making the downloadable artwork accessible globally. These museum-quality images are often sought after for study and educational purposes.