Kurt Melzer

Kurt Melzer was an artist active during a concentrated period between 1935 and 1936. His documented output is associated with the Index of American Design, a major New Deal initiative sponsored by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This project focused on creating accurate, high-quality renderings of American decorative, folk, and utilitarian arts created prior to 1900, ensuring the preservation of historical design knowledge.

Melzer’s contributions to the Index demonstrate a precise approach to documenting objects of material culture. The documented designs span diverse categories, including furniture, accessories, and functional items. Noteworthy documented works include the utilitarian piece Settee and Folding Bed, the unique item Toy Bank, the practical objects Walking Sticks, and the Accounting Desk. Smaller, artisanal items such as Brooch and Earring are also represented, providing valuable references for museum-quality historical reproductions.

The historical significance of this work is secured through its preservation in major institutions. Numerous Kurt Melzer prints documenting the Index of American Design are held in permanent collections, most notably at the National Gallery of Art. Because this collection was produced under government sponsorship, much of this documentation resides in the public domain, offering accessible resources for researchers and historians studying American design.