Child of Punch and Judy 1935 - 1942

Dorothy Harris made this watercolour of a Punch and Judy character, though the exact date remains unknown. Look at how she uses the watercolour, thin and transparent, like a veil. The red dots, scattered across the puppet's white dress, are the real stars here. They're not quite perfect circles, some are a little smudged, a little faded, but they add movement and a playful, slightly unsettling rhythm. The dress hangs heavy, weighed down by these marks, each a small gesture, a decision made by the artist. I love how the colour palette is muted, understated. It's like Harris is whispering a secret rather than shouting from the rooftops. The puppet's blank expression, combined with those outstretched arms, creates a sense of unease, a feeling that this is more than just a child’s toy. Harris reminds me of artists like Redon or Ensor. Their work is filled with strange figures and unsettling imagery. This piece could be a comment on the darker aspects of childhood.