Doll - "Elissa"

Art Historical Context

Behold the exquisite rendering of *Doll - "Elissa"*, circa 1938 by artist Rex F. Bush as part of the Index of American Design (IAD). This detailed watercolor, gouache, graphite, and-and-ink work on paperboard (42.7 x 29.4 cm) captures a 12½-inch-high folk doll, preserving its delicate features and craftsmanship for posterity. Bush's meticulous depiction highlights the doll's whimsical form, evoking the handmade artistry of American vernacular objects from earlier eras. The IAD, a Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (1935–1942), commissioned artists during the Great Depression to document everyday American design—from quilts to tools—through vibrant, accurate illustrations. Rex F. Bush's contribution exemplifies this effort, blending technical precision with artistic flair to celebrate cultural heritage amid economic hardship. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's collection, it underscores the program's role in fostering national pride and preserving ephemera that might otherwise be lost. The mixed-media technique—watercolor and gouache for luminous color, graphite and ink for fine lines—allows for lifelike texture and depth, making "Elissa" leap off the page. Dolls like her reflect America's folk traditions, often crafted by women for play or sentiment, symbolizing domestic creativity and continuity across generations. A delightful window into our shared past!

About the Artist

Rex F. Bush · 1915–2002

Rex F. Bush (c. 1915–2002) was an American artist best known for his meticulous contributions to the Index of American Design, a Federal Art Project initiative under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression era. Active primarily from 1935 to 1942, Bush produced watercolor, gouache, graphite, and pen-and-ink renderings on paperboard that documented everyday American folk ...