John Jordan

John Jordan was an artist active during a highly concentrated period spanning 1936 to 1937. His documented output is associated primarily with the Index of American Design (IAD), a landmark initiative of the Federal Art Project (WPA) dedicated to creating detailed visual surveys of American decorative and folk arts.

Jordan contributed to the project by creating exacting, illustrative renderings of historical artifacts, demonstrating a focus on precision and documentary detail rather than original composition. His works preserved in museum collections reflect his dedication to recording early American domestic utility objects and glasswork.

Five specific works are represented in collections, including meticulous studies such as Cracker and Butter Jar, Flask, Ink Bottle, Pottery Ink Stand, and Stiegel Perfume Vial. The historical importance of these John Jordan prints is established by their inclusion in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Because the Index of American Design was a government undertaking, much of this material is considered public domain, facilitating the creation of high-quality prints and ensuring widespread access to these historically significant, museum-quality records.