Hobby Toy

Art Historical Context

**Hobby Toy** by Raoul Du Bois, created 1936, is a captivating watercolor and graphite rendering on paper, measuring 22.9 x 29.5 cm. As part of the Index of American Design—a groundbreaking Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression—this work exemplifies a national effort from 1935 to 1942 to document and celebrate everyday American folk art and decorative objects. Du Bois, a skilled illustrator, contributed numerous precise depictions that preserved the nation's material culture for future generations, now housed in the National Gallery of Art's collection. The medium of watercolor and graphite allowed for vibrant yet meticulous detail, blending soft color washes with fine pencil lines to faithfully reproduce the toy's form, textures, and craftsmanship. Hobby toys like this one—simple, handcrafted playthings—reflected American ingenuity and regional traditions, often made from wood or everyday materials in homes and workshops. These Index renderings hold enduring cultural significance, shining a light on overlooked aspects of American heritage amid economic hardship. They remind us how art can safeguard the joy of childhood and folk creativity, inviting visitors to appreciate the artistry in ordinary objects.