Nancy Crimi

Nancy Crimi was an artist active during 1935, whose documented professional output is associated primarily with the Index of American Design. This major federal arts project commissioned thousands of detailed renderings of American decorative arts and material culture. Crimi’s contribution consists of fifteen designs related to this index, focusing specifically on studies of historical textiles, costumes, and accessories.

The works represented in institutional collections demonstrate a precise, documentary approach common to the Index projects, emphasizing faithful visual records over artistic interpretation. Specific documented pieces held in museum collections include the studies Afternoon Dress, Apron, two distinct designs titled Belt, and Bonnet. These detailed renderings of period apparel are utilized by scholars to document early American aesthetics and manufacturing.

Nancy Crimi’s designs are preserved in the collections of the National Gallery of Art. Because these historical records were produced under government initiatives, much of the related documentation is now part of the public domain. The availability of high-quality prints and downloadable artwork ensures that the visual records documented by Nancy Crimi remain accessible for scholarly use and public appreciation.