Mae A. Clarke

Mae A. Clarke was an American documentarian and artist active during a short, concentrated period between 1935 and 1937. Her artistic output is intrinsically linked to the Index of American Design (IAD), a Depression-era federal arts initiative dedicated to creating a comprehensive pictorial archive of American decorative arts and material culture from the colonial period through the late nineteenth century. Clarke’s known body of work consists of fifteen studies cataloged as "index of american designs."

The function of Clarke's detailed renderings was the meticulous documentation of historical American crafts and folk objects. Her subjects focused entirely on domestic and functional items, providing high-quality visual records of historical designs. Works represented in collections include detailed studies of a Bedspread, a Boy's Dress, a Coverlet, a Patchwork Quilt, and a Shoe.

As a contributor to a federal documentation project, much of Mae A. Clarke's work is today considered part of the public domain. This allows for broad accessibility, with the original designs maintained in prominent institutional holdings, including the National Gallery of Art. The availability of downloadable artwork and museum-quality images ensures that these historical documents remain resources for students and researchers interested in American folk history and design.