Doll c. 1936

Lillian Causey made this sweet doll, we're not sure when, using watercolour on paper. It's interesting how the washes of colour softly define the doll's form, almost like a memory fading in and out. Look at how the paint pools and blends, especially in the folds of her dress. It's so gentle, the way the light seems to catch the fabric. You can see the artist's hand in the way the colours merge, creating depth and volume with just a few strokes. The whole thing is so light, the dress could almost float away! The doll is both there, but almost not there, a being of substance, but also a shadow on the page. This work reminds me of Florine Stettheimer, another artist who captured the spirit of her subjects with such an airy, intimate touch. Each one embraces a subtle kind of whimsy, and reminds us of the power of art to capture fleeting moments and personal visions.