Doll - "Florence"

Art Historical Context

Discover the charming *Doll - "Florence*, a meticulous rendering created around 1941 by artists C. Romano and Hal Blakeley as part of the Index of Design. This watercolor, graphite, and pen-and-ink drawing on paper measures 35.5 x 24.5 cm (14 x 9 5/8 in.) and a 15-inch-high folk doll, preserving its delicate details for posterity in the National Gallery of Art collection. The Index of American Design, Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (PA) during the Great, commissioned over 15,000 such works to document everyday American objects—from quilts to tools—celebrating the nation's cultural heritage. Romano and Blakeley's piece exemplifies this mission, blending precise graphite outlines and ink contours with vibrant watercolor to evoke the doll's three-dimensional form and historical charm. Dolls like "Florence" reflect early American craftsmanship, often handmade with personal touches that tell stories of play, family, and tradition. This artwork not only highlights the technical virtuosity of IAD artists but also underscores the enduring value of folk design in shaping our shared identity.