Lena Nastasi

Lena Nastasi was an artist active in 1936, known primarily for documentation work related to American crafts and decorative arts. Her output focuses on the detailed rendering of traditional designs, suggesting involvement in major federal initiatives, such as the Index of American Design, which sought to document historical and regional folk art across the United States. This body of work is preserved in institutional collections, establishing her contribution to historical documentation.

Ten works attributed to Nastasi are documented as "index of american designs." These pieces reflect a strong focus on domestic textiles and metalwork. Key works represented in collections include the textile studies Crazy Quilt and Crocheted Lace, as well as the documentation of religious design, Needlework on Altar Cloth. Nastasi also executed studies of metal craft, such as the piece titled Iron Work. These detailed renderings of craft objects serve as vital visual records of American material culture.

Nastasi’s documented works are held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to the nature of their creation under federal projects, many Lena Nastasi prints are considered part of the public domain, allowing for widespread access and scholarly study. Today, these historical studies are often made available as high-quality prints, ensuring their continued recognition.