Minstrel Marionette c. 1936

"Minstrel Marionette" (c. 1936) by Elmer Weise is a watercolor painting depicting a marionette dressed in a traditional minstrel costume. The figure holds a mallet and is attached to strings, highlighting its dependence on an external force. This artwork, created during a time when minstrelsy was a popular form of entertainment, raises questions about its historical context and the representation of race. The painting's exaggerated features and the use of caricature contribute to its humorous yet critical tone, offering a glimpse into the complexities of American popular culture in the 1930s.