Children playing with something that was once a doll, Naples, Italy 1948

This photograph of children playing with a doll in Naples was captured by David Seymour. The black and white image shows a couple of young girls, clutching what appears to be a well-loved toy. The doll seems to be made of fabric. We can see where the fabric has frayed, torn, and been repaired many times over. These processes of use and repair are what give the doll its powerful presence. The photo is a poignant document of post-war Italy. The doll, clearly a treasured object, speaks to the hardships faced by children during this time. The material, and the very evident making and mending, speaks volumes about a culture of poverty, craft, and resilience. Looking at this image, we can see how the value and meaning of an object extends far beyond its original design. The image blurs the lines between art, craft, and social history, inviting us to consider the stories embedded within everyday objects.