-Golliwog- still bank c. 1910 - 1925

This -Golliwog- still bank was made by John Harper & Company, Ltd, though we don’t know exactly when. Its dark palette and metallic surface have the feel of aged iron or tarnished bronze. It reminds me of the way that the sculptor Nancy Grossman would work, building up layers of material to create a sense of texture and depth. Look closely at the way the red paint is applied around the coat buttons and down the legs. The painterly gestures suggest a kind of violence, like the Golliwog is bleeding or bruised. It's a jarring effect, given the overtly cartoonish imagery and the seemingly innocent function of a money bank. This makes me think about how seemingly simple objects are capable of carrying complex and troubling histories. The figure reminds me of the work of artists like Kara Walker, who confront difficult subjects with a mixture of humor and provocation. Ultimately, this piece invites us to think about the relationship between commerce, culture, and the representation of race.