William Merklin

William Merklin was an artist active in 1936, known primarily for contributions related to the Index of American Design. Although biographical details regarding his nationality or lifespan are not documented in available records, his work provides specific documentation of American historical structures and decorative arts.

Merklin is represented in museum collections by five works associated with the Index of American Design, a significant federal arts project established during the 1930s to create a pictorial survey of the nation’s craft and folk history. This body of work, intended for broad educational use, is preserved within the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, confirming Merklin's involvement in this federally supported documentation effort.

The five works represented in the database focus on architectural and garden structures, including records related to the A. M. Ferris Estate, the Hayes and Thompson Estate, and the Ingraham Residence. Two separate entries document aspects of the Isaac P. Martin Garden. These archival works often serve as important historical records and are frequently accessed today as downloadable artwork and high-quality prints, contributing to the understanding of early to mid-twentieth century American design. William Merklin prints related to this project are today often available as royalty-free resources, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of these historical visual documents.