Circus wagon figure: dancing girl c. 1938

Katharine Merrill's watercolor drawing, "Circus wagon figure: dancing girl," depicts a wooden figure of a female dancer, likely from a carousel or circus wagon, captured in a dynamic pose. Created around 1938, this drawing showcases Merrill's interest in capturing the ephemeral beauty of folk art and the artistry of these once-vibrant figures. The detailed rendering of the woodgrain and the faded paint on the figure, along with the use of watercolor to depict the dancer's flowing costume and delicate features, creates a captivating and nostalgic piece of art.