Artwork preview

Mechanically Operated Toy

Nicholas Amantea

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture depicts two figures engaged in a dance. The figures are made of a material resembling wood, suggested by the texture and visible joints. The figure on the left is dressed in a brown ensemble with puffed sleeves and knee-length pants, while the figure on the right wears a teal dress accented with a brown shawl or coat. Both figures have colorations that imply clothing details, with the teal and brown being dominant hues. They stand on a rectangular wooden base. The base is plain with a small black button or knob on its side. The figures are in lively poses with one arm extended towards each other, possibly held up by a thin vertical rod connecting them.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1940
Medium
watercolor and graphite on paperboard
Dimensions
3314 × 4263 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original