Doll Furniture - Sideboard c. 1937

Ellen Duncan created this watercolor painting of doll furniture, titled "Sideboard," during a time when gender roles were sharply defined. The choice of subject matter might seem simple, but it invites us to consider the cultural expectations placed on women as keepers of the domestic sphere. Duncan, as a woman artist, navigates the complex terrain of representation and identity through her art. During her lifetime, the concept of "separate spheres" dictated that women belonged in the home. By focusing on doll furniture, Duncan subtly acknowledges and perhaps critiques these societal expectations. The delicate watercolor rendering evokes a sense of nostalgia, but also prompts reflection on the limitations imposed on women's creativity and ambition. This artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the historical context in which it was created and the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the art world and beyond.