Bertha Semple

Bertha H. Semple

American, 1903 - 1965

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This is a drawing of a wooden doll. The figure in the image resembles a mannequin with an elongated and jointed body. The body's limbs and torso are articulated with hinges or joints at the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. The doll has a small head and simplified facial features including eyes, a nose, and lips. The color palette consists mostly of muted browns and earthy tones. The figure stands on a plain background, emphasizing its form and structure. The drawing has a whimsical yet mechanical appearance, almost as if it has been assembled from various crafted parts.
Bertha Semple, Wooden Doll, c. 1939, watercolor and graphite on paperboard, Index of American Design, 1943.8.15520

Wooden Doll

Bertha Semple · c. 1939 · watercolor and graphite on paperboard ·  Accession ID  1943.8.15520

This is a painting of a toy horse and cart with figures. The image shows a wooden toy horse hitched to a cart with large red and yellow wheels. There is a figure seated at the front of the cart dressed in a blue jacket and white hat, seemingly guiding the horse. In front of the horse, a smaller figure stands beside lush green vegetation, appearing to wave at the cart. The figures and the horse are stylized with exaggerated features, rendered in bright colors.
Bertha Semple, Cast Iron Toy Bank, c. 1939, watercolor, graphite, and colored pencil on paperboard, Index of American Design, 1943.8.17137

Cast Iron Toy Bank

Bertha Semple · c. 1939 · watercolor, graphite, and colored pencil on paperboard ·  Accession ID  1943.8.17137

The image shows a intricately designed leather object with detailed embossing and decorative patterns. The object is primarily brown and beige in color and positioned centrally against a plain, light-colored background.
Bertha Semple, Saddle Bag, c. 1939, watercolor, graphite, and colored pencil on paperboard, Index of American Design, 1943.8.14580

Saddle Bag

Bertha Semple · c. 1939 · watercolor, graphite, and colored pencil on paperboard ·  Accession ID  1943.8.14580

This is a drawing of a Western saddle. The drawing showcases a detailed Western-style saddle with intricate tooling on the leather. The tooling features swirling patterns and decorative motifs that cover the majority of the visible saddle surface. The saddle is depicted with a stirrup on one side, and all the characteristic elements are meticulously rendered to show texture and form. The overall color palette consists of various shades of brown, emphasizing the leather material of the saddle. The drawing is realistic, capturing the essence of the craftsmanship involved in making such a saddle.
Bertha Semple, Side Saddle, c. 1939, watercolor, graphite, and colored pencil on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.14564

Side Saddle

Bertha Semple · c. 1939 · watercolor, graphite, and colored pencil on paper ·  Accession ID  1943.8.14564

The image displays a set of closed wooden shutters in distressed blue color with streaks of red. The shutters are placed at the center and are framed by a rough, light-colored wall texture. Metal hinges and a latch can be seen on the shutters.
Bertha Semple, Cabinet Doors at Mission San Jose de Guadalupe, c. 1938, watercolor, colored pencil, pen and ink, graphite,and heightening on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.6555

Cabinet Doors at Mission San Jose de Guadalupe

Bertha Semple · c. 1938 · watercolor, colored pencil, pen and ink, graphite,and heightening on paper ·  Accession ID  1943.8.6555

This is a painting of a doll in a Victorian-style dress. The image features a doll with a dark-colored face with big eyes and curled hair. The doll is dressed in a long white gown with blue stripes, a high collar, and long sleeves. The hands and feet of the doll are visible, with realistic detail. The background is plain, focusing on the doll and its attire.
Bertha Semple, Negro Woman Doll, c. 1938, watercolor and graphite on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.15458

Negro Woman Doll

Bertha Semple · c. 1938 · watercolor and graphite on paper ·  Accession ID  1943.8.15458

The image shows a doll standing upright wearing an elegant gown. The doll has a smooth, pale face with closed lips, black hair with soft waves, and is dressed in a gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline, lace or embroidered trim, fitted bodice, and full skirt. It wears small black shoes and is set against a plain, off-white background with signs of age or use. No accessories or other objects are present in the composition.
Bertha Semple, Mechanical Walking Doll, c. 1938, watercolor and graphite on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.15436

Mechanical Walking Doll

Bertha Semple · c. 1938 · watercolor and graphite on paper ·  Accession ID  1943.8.15436

The sculpture features two main figures: a person and a donkey. The person is seated on a saddle-like seat, wearing a blue turban and a long garment in yellow and orange hues. The donkey stands at the other end, facing the person with its head slightly lowered. The donkey is adorned with a detailed harness painted with red and yellow patterns. The sculpture's base is painted mainly in tones of orange and green with a textured design. The material appears to be metal, likely cast iron, judging by the smooth surface and painted details. The figures are to scale and intricately detailed.
Bertha Semple, Toy Bank, c. 1938, watercolor and graphite on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.8473

Toy Bank

Bertha Semple · c. 1938 · watercolor and graphite on paper ·  Accession ID  1943.8.8473

The image displays a single ornate spur with intricate detailing and a large star-shaped rowel. The color palette consists mainly of metallic gold and silver tones, accented by hints of brown and a metallic sheen reflecting the light. Positioned centrally on a plain, light-colored background, the spur stretches horizontally across the frame, with the wider part to the left and the rowel extending to the right.
Bertha Semple, Spur, c. 1938, watercolor, graphite, and colored pencil on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.14691

Spur

Bertha Semple · c. 1938 · watercolor, graphite, and colored pencil on paper ·  Accession ID  1943.8.14691

The image displays a doll wearing a patterned dress with shades of red and a fringed shawl. The color palette includes neutral tones with highlights of red and beige. The doll is centrally positioned against a plain background.
Bertha Semple, Wooden Doll, c. 1938, watercolor and graphite on paper, Index of American Design, 1943.8.15518

Wooden Doll

Bertha Semple · c. 1938 · watercolor and graphite on paper ·  Accession ID  1943.8.15518