Documentary photographs were taken by Index photographers to supplement other records created for the Index project. In principle, Index guidelines recognized that some objects could be recorded more suitably by photographs than by watercolor renderings. According to project guidelines, these would include “such objects as iron stoveplates; silver and other items which are principally ‘form’ and not color.” Many such photographs were taken and are now the primary Index record of these objects. Some Index photographs are important records of the contemporary placement, use, and surroundings of the objects, information that was carefully omitted from the renderings.

Photographs and research materials are available for consultation in the Gallery archives of the National Gallery of Art. For futher information contact the Gallery archives by telephone (202) 842-6614, fax (202) 842-6948, or e-mail: gallery-archives@nga.gov.