Doll - "Adeline" c. 1938

Eugene Croe painted "Adeline" sometime in the 20th century, rendering this doll with delicate precision. I imagine Croe studying "Adeline," carefully mixing his paints to match the doll's rosy complexion. The brushstrokes are gentle, almost caressing the surface, as if he's trying to capture not just the doll's likeness, but also its essence. What might it have been like to paint this doll and imagine her personality? Was she a portrait of a child or a memento of something lost? The way the paint sits on the surface is so smooth and even, it almost feels like you could reach out and touch the doll's cheek. The subtle gradations of color create a sense of depth and volume, making "Adeline" feel incredibly lifelike. This painting reminds me of those moments when an artist connects with their subject, infusing it with a sense of vitality that transcends mere representation. Every artist, whether they know it or not, is in conversation with those who came before.