Louis Plogsted

Louis Plogsted was an artist active during a concentrated period between 1935 and 1939. Plogsted’s documented body of work is associated primarily with the Index of American Design (IAD), a federal arts initiative dedicated to creating a comprehensive visual record of American decorative arts, craft, and folk tradition. Plogsted is represented by 15 works documenting historical designs preserved within this index.

The documented objects reflect a focus on historical material culture, encompassing both maritime artifacts and fine decorative furniture. Notable works include renderings of the ship figurehead Figurehead "S.S. Robert Fulton", an additional Figurehead, and various examples of period furniture such as the Cradle and the Mahogany Cradle. Plogsted also documented other three-dimensional items, including a Statue.

Plogsted’s contribution is preserved within the permanent collections of major United States institutions. The original renderings are held by the National Gallery of Art. Due to their origin within a federal arts program, many of these IAD images are in the public domain, allowing researchers and institutions access to high-quality prints for study and exhibition. Louis Plogsted prints and design renderings serve as important resources for the history of American folk art and craft.