Toy - Man on Music Box c. 1936

This is a drawing by John Fisk of a handmade toy, a man atop a music box. The toy probably started with a block of wood, a humble material transformed by carving and painting. The box is decorated with simple but effective motifs. We might see a link to folk art traditions here, or perhaps the resourceful spirit of the maker, using whatever was at hand to bring joy. The figure on top is more formal, perhaps a soldier or a doorman, which gives the object an interesting social dimension. This charming work transcends mere decoration; it embodies the values of handcraft and the pleasure of simple mechanics, a refreshing contrast to mass-produced entertainment. It reminds us that the most treasured objects often have a personal history embedded within them, and are tied to social and cultural contexts.