Doll (Greiner Patented Head)

Art Historical Context

This watercolor and graphite rendering by Stanley Mazur, created circa 1940, is a standout piece from the Index of American Design collection at the National Gallery of Art. The Index, launched as part of the New Deal's Federal Art Project, artists with producing highly detailed illustrations of American folk art and decorative objects to preserve the nation's design history. Depicting a doll with a Greiner patented head, the artwork faithfully reproduces an original object that stood 30 1/2 inches high and 15 inches wide. Mazur's skillful use of watercolor brings out the doll's colors and materials, while graphite adds precise contours, resulting in a document that is both scientifically accurate and artistically engaging. These illustrations hold lasting significance as they capture the essence of American craftsmanship from earlier eras, including innovations in doll production. For visitors, they provide an accessible way to explore historical toys and the cultural stories they tell, all while showcasing the talent of WPA-era artists like Mazur.

About the Artist

Stanley Mazur · 1903–1978

**Stanley Mazur (1903–1978)** was an American artist best known for his meticulous watercolor renderings created as part of the Index of American Design, a Works Progress Administration (WPA) initiative during the Great Depression era. This ambitious project commissioned artists across the United States to document everyday folk art objects, crafts, and tools that embodied the nation's cultural he...