Circus Wagon Figure: "Dancing Girl" 1935 - 1942

John Matulis created this sculpture of a dancing girl from wood, likely for a circus wagon. The figure’s raw, tactile quality comes from the directness of carving. You can almost feel the artist working the wood, shaping her form with simple tools. The paint, now worn, hints at the vibrant colors that would have enlivened the sculpture, catching the eyes of passersby. Matulis engaged with traditions of both woodcarving and decorative art. The figure’s design elements, with her flowing dress and poised stance, reflects influences from classical sculpture, yet made from such modest materials. The sculpture is a reminder of the skilled labor that went into creating the dazzling spectacle of the circus. It challenges us to see the artistic merit in everyday objects, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.