Theodore Pfitzer

Theodore Pfitzer was a draftsman and documentary artist active during a concentrated period between 1935 and 1937. His documented output is associated exclusively with the Index of American Designs, a federally sponsored project dedicated to systematically documenting historic decorative and folk art objects across the United States.

Seven works by Pfitzer are represented in institutional collections, focusing on precise renderings of historic Americana. His contributions provide accurate visual records of functional and domestic objects, including the Pewter Coffee Urn, the Mortar and Pestle, and the large furnishing piece, the Hall Clock (Grandfather's Clock). Pfitzer also recorded specialized items such as the Child's Hobby Horse and the Pewter Lard Oil Lamp, contributing to a vital catalog of American material culture.

The documentary efforts of Pfitzer are preserved in the collections of the National Gallery of Art. The resulting imagery serves as an important resource for historians and researchers studying early American design. Because the Index of American Designs images are now considered public domain, high-quality prints and downloadable artwork are frequently utilized by educators. Theodore Pfitzer prints offer detailed, factual representations crucial for studying the lineage of American craftsmanship.