Irene Schaefer

Irene Schaefer was an artist and documentarian active around 1936, whose primary known output is preserved as part of the Index of American Design. This national visual archive focused on documenting significant examples of American decorative and folk art from the colonial era through the nineteenth century. Schaefer's contributions emphasize historical textile arts and designs.

Thirteen of Schaefer's detailed renderings are represented in museum collections, reflecting her role in this comprehensive documentation initiative. Her surviving works focus heavily on domestic textile fabrication and pattern replication. Specific documented pieces include multiple depictions of Bedspreads and a detailed study of a Patchwork Quilt.

The documentation produced by Irene Schaefer and other artists in the Index of American Design is permanently held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The precision required for these records often results in sought-after Irene Schaefer prints, which capture intricate details of American craftsmanship. Today, much of this historical documentation is available within the public domain, offering researchers and designers access to high-quality prints of historical textile patterns.