Cast Iron Dobbie c. 1936

Rex F. Bush's "Cast Iron Dobbie" (c. 1936) is a gouache on paper depicting a cast iron toy, known as a "dobbie", which was a popular children's toy in the early 20th century. The artwork shows a Black man dressed in casual attire, standing on a base with the inscription "E. Dennis & Co. Jackson Mich.", likely referencing the toy's manufacturer. This artwork exemplifies the popular "folk art" genre of the time, characterized by its simple style and subject matter, and is an example of the nostalgic appeal of vintage toys.