Howell Rosenbaum

Howell Rosenbaum was an artist active in 1938, known primarily for contributions to the Index of American Design. This project, undertaken during the New Deal era, focused on creating precise visual records of historical American decorative and folk arts. Rosenbaum’s body of work is characterized by detailed, technical renderings of functional objects, documented in the style required by the federal initiative.

Five designs by Rosenbaum are represented in museum collections, confirming his role in the archival effort. These studies include drawings of the utilitarian objects Drinking Mug, Jar, Match Case for Wall, Powder Horn, and Powder Pouch. These technical illustrations prioritize historical accuracy and documentation of American craftsmanship.

Rosenbaum’s designs are held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. As works often produced under a government program, the records are generally considered public domain. Researchers can frequently obtain high-quality prints and downloadable artwork of these museum-quality designs, ensuring the continued study of material culture documented during the mid-twentieth century.