Walking Doll c. 1936

Jane Iverson made this watercolour, "Walking Doll", sometime in the 20th century, and it’s all about process. The muted colors create a sense of nostalgia, like a faded photograph. You can almost smell the attic where this doll might have been stored. Look at the way Iverson built up the dress with thin, translucent washes. See how the light seems to shimmer across the fabric? It's like she’s trying to capture not just the doll, but also the memory of it. And those details, like the lace collar and the tiny shoes – they’re rendered with such care and precision. Notice the delicate brushstrokes, especially around the edges of the doll's dress. Each stroke feels considered, like a loving gesture. It’s almost as if she’s trying to breathe life back into this forgotten toy. It reminds me a little of Florine Stettheimer's playful portraits, with their whimsical details and theatrical flair. Both artists seem to find beauty in the everyday, transforming ordinary objects into something extraordinary.