Artwork preview

"Juggling" Marionette

James McLellan

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of a marionette puppet design. The painting depicts a detailed, full-body illustration of a puppet with strings attached, dressed in a green costume with pink accents. The puppet has an exaggerated facial expression, with a wide smile and rosy cheeks, characteristic of a traditional caricature or clown. It stands on a small block, suggesting movement or performance. Beside the puppet are detailed sketches of the puppet's head in profile and its operating mechanism, showing the wooden control bars used for manipulation. The painting also focuses on the intricate detailing of the puppet's clothing and joints, indicating a functional and artistic design.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1936
Medium
watercolor, graphite, and gouache on paperboard
Dimensions
3369 × 4753 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original