Baby's Cap c. 1937

Mary E. Humes made this delightful rendering of a baby's cap sometime in the 20th century, most likely using pencil and watercolor. Look at how she uses a light touch, almost sketching the form rather than defining it, and how the delicate color palette evokes a feeling of tenderness and care. This piece feels deeply personal. The texture of the paper itself becomes part of the artwork, visible beneath the thin washes of color. I'm drawn to the little floral motifs scattered across the cap, each one slightly different, as if lovingly hand-stitched onto the fabric. Notice how Humes captures the soft folds and gentle curves of the fabric, creating a sense of volume and depth with minimal shading. The work feels similar in spirit to the art of Ree Morton, in its quiet intimacy and dedication to the everyday. It's a reminder that art can be found in the most humble of objects, and that the act of seeing is itself an act of love.