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The 20th century

Works made in the 20th century, anywhere in the world.

189 works · hang 8718 ·

The rooms are imagined; every work on their walls is real.

Walk this roomRehang this room

Section 1, north wall

  1. This is a drawing of a decorative family record. The central feature is a structure resembling a classical monument or altar labeled "FAMILY RECORD" at the top. The structure has columns and a pediment with names and dates. Flanking the list are two figures holding flowers, dressed in long gowns of blue and white. Above the structure are two large urns and a floral arrangement with pink flowers and green foliage. The background is a soft, neutral color. Green leaves and small flowers further embellish the scene.
    Family Record of Susan B. AnthonyJohn Wilkes, c. 1937Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. The image shows a spinning wheel with intricate details, surrounded by smaller insets highlighting specific components. The color palette consists of muted browns, greens, and beiges. The spinning wheel is positioned in the center, with its circular wheel on the right and the spinning mechanism on the left. Detailed insets are placed around the spinning wheel, each showing different mechanical elements.
    Spinning WheelClyde L. Cheney, 1935/1942Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 1, south wall

  1. This is a painting of a quilt design pattern. The image depicts a square quilt block featuring a variety of geometric shapes and patterns pieced together. The quilt features a mix of colors, including blues, reds, browns, and a pink border, with intricate patterns in the fabric segments. The textures and colors create an intricate optical composition resembling different geometric forms and depth. The piece is delicately framed within a larger white space, which emphasizes the detail of the quilt pattern. This is in the style of a traditional textile or quilting pattern illustrator.
    Cotton Bed QuiltElgin Moncure Styll, c. 1941Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. October (cover illustration for Harper's Magazine), by William Clarke Rice, 1903
    October (cover illustration for Harper's Magazine)William Clarke Rice, 1903Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
  3. The image shows five metallic objects arranged in a vertical column. These include three L-shaped brackets and two circular rings, in muted gray and rust-brown shades with a metallic sheen. The objects are positioned against a light, neutral background.
    Color Notes on IronGerald Transpota, 1935/1942Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, south wall

  1. The image depicts a landscape with towering rock formations dominating the scene. The ground is rugged and textured, leading the eye towards the rock pillars in the center. A structure or building is perched atop one of these rocks. The background shows the horizon above the structure, with clouds and sky stretching out beyond. The artwork features detailed brushstrokes adding texture to the rocks. The color palette is monochromatic with varying shades of charcoal or ink, emphasizing the contrast between the rocks and the sky.
    The Cliffs of the TrinityJoseph Pennell, 1913Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. This is a painting of a colorful floral design with text. The artwork features stylized flowers in shades of red, green, and yellow scattered across the page. In the center, there is calligraphic text in varying boldness and fonts, likely in German. Two symmetrical bird-like figures with human faces and crowns are above the text. The piece combines imagery with artistic lettering in a style reminiscent of traditional Pennsylvania German fraktur. The artwork is bordered by a thin line, suggesting it's part of a larger artifact or document.
    Pa. German Birth CertificateAlbert Levone, c. 1940Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, north wall

  1. Waterfall, by Yoshida Hiroshi, 1924
    WaterfallYoshida Hiroshi, 1924Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  2. The image depicts a detailed drawing of a wall-mounted vessel. It consists of a large, spherical body attached to a flat disc, with two smaller protrusions resembling handles or clips. The color palette is monochromatic with shades of gray, giving it a metallic or ceramic appearance. The objects are centrally positioned, with a small inset illustration in the bottom left corner showing annotations. The artist's signature, "A. Marshall," is located near the lower right corner of the image.
    LampArsen Maralian, c. 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 3, north wall

  1. A row of spire-like structures of different heights is silhouetted in azure blue against a soft pink, yellow, peach, and lavender-purple sunset and reflected in a rippling river in this nearly square landscape painting. Along the horizon, the buildings stretch from our right, almost fully across the canvas, and are painted with vertical brushstrokes in cool shades of blue. The sky behind the towers seems hazy with intermingling, pastel-colored clouds. The buildings are reflected in the river, which fills the bottom third of the painting. The surface of the water is painted with short, horizontal brushstrokes in azure blue for the buildings, and apricot, rose, and marigold orange for the sky’s reflection. A streak and smudge of olive-green paint on the water represents a person in a boat near the center of the painting. The artist signed and dated the work in the same olive color at the lower right: “Claude Monet 1903.”
    The Houses of Parliament, SunsetClaude Monet, 1903Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. The image shows a lace-trimmed sleeve with a floral lace design in the center, primarily in shades of gray and off-white. The sleeve is positioned vertically in the center of the image, with the top slightly obscured by shadow and the ruffled lace edge at the bottom. The lace details are intricate and precise, enhancing the texture and complexity of the design.
    Cuff LaceErwin Schwabe, c. 1937Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 3, south wall

  1. The sculpture is a depiction of a horse's head crafted from a dark material that appears to be metal. The horse's ears are perked up, and its mane is depicted with smooth, curving lines trailing down the back of the neck. The sculpture includes a ring that extends from the horse's mouth. Positioned on a simple cylindrical pedestal, the sculpture's material and design suggest a robust and timeless feel. The details of the horse's expression and mane are rendered with a smooth finish.
    Hitching PostAlbert Ryder, c. 1938Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. Mother and Child, by Gari Melchers, ca. 1920
    Mother and ChildGari Melchers, ca. 1920Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
  3. The image shows a person standing upright. They have a round face with simple facial features, wearing a hat with a red flower and dark ribbon. Their outfit includes a belted dress or coat, pleated texture, a cape, and arm coverings. The person is holding a matching umbrella in their right hand. The background is plain and light tan.
    Corn Husk DollMina Lowry, c. 1936Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 4, south wall

  1. The image shows a large ceramic vase with two curved handles positioned near the top on either side. The vase has an earthy color palette with shades of brown, beige, and a subtle hint of reddish-brown forming a band around its middle. The vase is centrally placed on a flat surface, and both handles extend outward at the top.
    VaseIsadore Goldberg, c. 1939Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. The image shows a wooden drop-leaf table with four turned legs and two drawers. The table's surface includes two side panels that can be raised or lowered. The color palette is warm brown tones. The table is centered in the image, with both leaves partially visible.
    Shaker TableAlfred H. Smith, c. 1938Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington