Lorenz Rothkranz

Lorenz Rothkranz was professionally active between 1935 and 1937. Their documented work consists primarily of highly detailed illustrations and renderings associated with the Index of American Design, a project dedicated to cataloging and documenting American decorative arts and folk art history. This highly focused output establishes Rothkranz as a contributor to the Federal documentation efforts of the mid-1930s.

The artist’s work is characterized by its precise draftsmanship, necessary for accurately preserving the visual details of historical objects. Fifteen of their index designs are represented in major institutional holdings, establishing credibility through collection history. These designs, which focus on colonial and early American material culture, include studies for a Chest of Drawers, a Clock, a Spinning Wheel, a Tripod Stand, and an Armchair.

Examples of Rothkranz’s work are held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to their documentation status, the illustrations are often widely available in the public domain. Researchers seeking high-quality prints of these documentary works can often access Lorenz Rothkranz prints through museum archives for study or reproduction.