Violet Hartenstein

Violet Hartenstein was an artist active from 1935 to 1942, whose output was centered on documenting historical artifacts for the Index of American Designs. Established under the Federal Art Project, the Index was a New Deal initiative focused on creating a comprehensive pictorial archive of American material culture and decorative arts.

Hartenstein’s work reflects a precise, documentary approach applied to functional and domestic objects. Documented works include detailed illustrations of the Dutch Bake Oven, Brace (Wooden), the Fruit Jar, a study of a Rocker, and a rendering of a Pewter Inkstand. These illustrations served a crucial function in preserving the visual history of American craft and design during the mid-twentieth century.

A total of fifteen documented works related to the Index of American Designs are attributed to Hartenstein and represented in institutional holdings. The artist's drawings and studies are held in significant national collections, notably the National Gallery of Art. Much of this documentation, including Violet Hartenstein prints, has since entered the public domain, providing researchers and enthusiasts with access to high-quality prints of historical artifacts. These works maintain their status as museum-quality records of American folk art.