Doll c. 1942

Francis Law Durand created this watercolor drawing of a doll. The doll is depicted with a soft color palette on a neutral background. Durand's choice of watercolor as a medium influences the appearance of the drawing, lending itself to the soft and subtle tones which emphasize the doll's contours and features. The transparency of the watercolor allows the white of the paper to shine through, creating a sense of lightness. The doll is depicted with enough detail to suggest the clothes it is wearing and its physical features. The act of creating a watercolor drawing involves a degree of skill and control. Watercolor painting has a long history within fine arts, and has often been used for illustration and documentation purposes. The artist's choice of subject matter and medium reflects an interest in childhood, and the labor involved in the making of the doll. This connects to broader social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Paying attention to the materials and processes involved in the creation of this artwork allows us to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.