Rag Doll "Johnnie" c. 1937

Curator: Isn't he precious? He almost looks like a ghost. Editor: Indeed! And that's fitting, as this delicate drawing is titled "Rag Doll 'Johnnie'", made circa 1937 by Vera Van Voris. It presents us with what seems to be a portrait of a beloved toy. Curator: I see that Van Voris really captures the character in his little stitched face. It has this almost mournful gaze. But those little leather shoes! I can almost hear him scuffling around a cozy parlor. Editor: It’s quite interesting to consider how toys like this both reflect and shape cultural values. The careful detail in Johnnie's attire – that dapper little suit and cravat – speaks volumes about the era's emphasis on proper appearances, even for children's playthings. Curator: I imagine him as a silent observer. All those important childhood moments swirling around him. The secret-sharing, the make-believe dramas. It makes me wonder what stories he could tell! Editor: Exactly! Toys serve as potent symbols of innocence and memory. And the decision to create a formal portrait of such an object invites questions about the roles of domesticity, sentimental value, and personal narrative. We’re encouraged to wonder about Van Voris’s relationship with this doll. Curator: I appreciate how the artist manages to elevate the everyday into something special. Editor: Absolutely, this drawing, seemingly so simple, carries layers of historical and personal significance. Curator: Thank you. It has certainly made me see something new in what I considered the mere depiction of a doll. Editor: The pleasure was all mine. And hopefully for our listeners as well.