Baby's Cap c. 1937

Sylvia Dezon made this artwork, "Baby's Cap," using graphite and gouache on paper. Born in 1906, Dezon lived through a period of significant change in the United States, including both World Wars and the Great Depression. This delicate rendering of a baby’s cap invites us to reflect on the symbolism of innocence and vulnerability, particularly within the context of early 20th-century America. Historically, items like baby caps were not only practical but also deeply symbolic, representing care, protection, and the hopes placed on the next generation. The choice of graphite and gouache lends a soft, almost dreamlike quality to the image, evoking a sense of nostalgia. What does this image communicate to you about societal expectations around motherhood and childhood during Dezon's time? It is interesting to consider the ways in which such a simple object can carry layers of meaning, reflecting both personal experiences and broader cultural values.