Joseph Sudek

Joseph Sudek was professionally active in the early 1930s, documented specifically during the period 1930-1936. Their output during this time centered on studies related to the Index of American Design, a major undertaking dedicated to documenting historical decorative and functional American artifacts.

Fifteen designs attributed to Sudek are represented in museum collections, confirming the artist’s contribution to this important governmental cataloging effort. The precision and detail required for this work inherently establish the museum-quality of the documentation studies produced. Specific examples of documented pieces include renderings of household objects such as a Sugar Bowl, a Bowl, two studies titled Carved Chair, and a Cradle.

The National Gallery of Art holds these historical design records. As works generated within the context of a public initiative, many of these documentation prints eventually enter the public domain. The preservation of these images ensures that high-quality Joseph Sudek prints and related materials remain available for scholarly research.