Doll: "Mary Scotia" 1935 - 1942

This is an undated watercolor, "Doll: Mary Scotia," made by Mary E. Humes, who lived a long life between 1855 and 1955. The work shows a carefully rendered doll with a rather serious expression, wearing a white dress with a red necklace. It's not just a portrait, but a document of material culture. The doll's dress, with its polka dots and frilly sleeves, along with her beaded necklace, speaks to a particular aesthetic of adornment. Notice also the flat shoes, carefully patterned. We can only wonder about the unseen hands that sewed the doll's clothes and gave her such a distinct identity. This watercolor prompts us to think about how we care for and represent our loved objects, even those that are just meant for play, and the degree to which they can mirror the values and aspirations of a particular time and place. It challenges us to look beyond traditional art historical categories and appreciate the skill and artistry that goes into creating objects of everyday life.