John Thorsen

John Thorsen was active during the concise period spanning 1935 through 1941. His professional output centered on the detailed documentation of historical American artifacts and decorative arts, directly linked to the Index of American Design (IAD), a major visual archive initiated under the Federal Art Project.

Thorsen’s work is characterized by its rigorous focus on material culture, recording the characteristics of objects ranging from domestic implements to clothing and jewelry. Specific documented works represented in institutional collections include a Coffee Pot, a Money Vest, Brooch and Earrings, a Trunk, and a Valentine. Fourteen examples of these meticulously drafted John Thorsen prints are preserved in museum collections, representing a valuable contribution to the historical record of American design.

The primary collection holding Thorsen’s work is the National Gallery of Art. Due to the nature of their creation under federal mandate, many of these IAD renderings reside within the public domain. This accessibility ensures their continued utility for historians and researchers. Today, these designs are often made available as high-quality prints and downloadable artwork.