"Humpty Dumpty" Jumping Jack
1935/1942
Medium
watercolor and graphite on paper
Dimensions
overall: 51 x 25.5 cm (20 1/16 x 10 1/16 in.)
Classification
Index of American Design
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Index of American Design
Accession Number
1943.8.15673
Art Historical Context
Behold the delightful *Humpty Dumpty Jumping Jack*, a vibrant watercolor and graphite rendering by Robert Gilson from 1935/1942. Measuring 51 x 25.5 cm, this work captures the whimsical charm of a classic pull-string puppet toy inspired by the beloved nursery rhyme character. Gilson's precise use of watercolor brings out the toy's colorful fabric and wooden elements, while graphite adds fine details to its articulated limbs and expressive face, evoking joyful movement frozen in time. Created as part of the Index of American Design—a groundbreaking WPA Federal Art Project (1935–1942)—this piec...