Quaker Doll 1938

Max Fernekes created this watercolor of a Quaker Doll, sometime in the 20th century, in what seems to me a study in understatement. There's a muted palette at work here, predominantly shades of grey and brown, yet, the artist animates this restricted palette through their application of the watercolor. In the rendering of the doll's dress, the paint is layered and blended to create a soft, almost velvety texture. Look at those shoes. The touch of red, is like a little spark of rebellion. There's something so tender and intimate in the way the artist chose to depict the doll. It reminds me a bit of Fairfield Porter's portraits, with their quiet dignity and attention to the beauty of everyday life. It's in these small, intimate observations that art really sings, isn't it?