Doll with Bisque Head c. 1936

Editor: This drawing, "Doll with Bisque Head," dates back to around 1936 and is by Beverly Chichester. The academic style captures this doll in a very direct manner; I’m immediately drawn to the contrast between the vibrant plaid of the dress and the almost haunting stillness of the doll’s face. How would you interpret this work, focusing on its compositional elements? Curator: Formally, one could argue the charm of this work resides in the tension established between representation and artifice. Consider the surface: the artist is drawing a doll, a constructed object, imbuing it with life through their chosen style and meticulous technique. The flatness inherent in the drawing highlights the fact that it is, fundamentally, a two-dimensional artwork. What do you think the implications of that tension between life and artifice might be? Editor: Perhaps that the artist is acknowledging both the doll's simulated "life" and their own creative intervention. The very deliberate rendering emphasizes the constructed nature of both the object and the art itself. Is the contrast with its somewhat eerie mood important? Curator: Exactly. Now, observe how the artist manages color and line. The bold red of the plaid clashes somewhat unexpectedly with the bisque complexion and the relatively muted palette chosen for the curls, creating a subtle yet discordant effect. The clean, precise lines, coupled with the academic style, further emphasize a controlled order that contrasts against any possible narrative readings from the doll's dress. Editor: It's fascinating how focusing on just the lines, colors, and forms reveals so much about the intent and impact of this piece. Thank you for showing that contrast, so to speak, between the subject and object. Curator: Indeed, a work of art reveals its secrets to those willing to look closely. I’m very happy to show a novel perspective on this deceptively simple drawing.