Selma Sandler

Selma Sandler was an artist active during the late Depression era, with documented output spanning 1935 through 1940. Sandler’s work centered on the visual documentation of American decorative arts and folk objects as part of the federal Index of American Design (IAD) project. This ambitious project, initiated under the Works Progress Administration (WPA), aimed to create a detailed record of traditional American design and craftsmanship prior to 1900.

Sandler is represented by fifteen documented works related to the Index. These studies demonstrate the meticulous draftsmanship required for the objective recording of historical artifacts. Sandler’s subject matter focused on vernacular craftsmanship, ranging from architectural documentation, such as the study of Wallpaper, to detailed representations of folk accessories and three-dimensional objects. Notable works preserved in collections include Pa. German Pins, the functional Weather Vane - Cock, and studies of equine figures, including Toy Horse and Horse with Rider.

The historical and artistic importance of Sandler’s contributions is confirmed by the preservation of these works in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., establishing them as museum-quality records of American folk art. Because these detailed documents were created as part of a U.S. government initiative, many Selma Sandler prints are in the public domain, offering historians and enthusiasts access to high-quality prints for research and educational purposes.