Hand Puppet "Punch"

c. 1936

William Kerby

Associated Names
William Kerby

Artist, American, active c. 1935

This is a painting of a puppet figure wearing traditional attire. The main focus is on a vividly colored puppet with exaggerated facial features. The puppet is dressed in a blue coat with red lining, and beneath it is a plaid garment. It wears a blue cap and its face is painted with a broad grin. The puppet's hands are simple and extend from its coat. Next to the puppet is a smaller, more detailed study of the puppet's head and shoulders, capturing its expressive eyes and colorful cap. The scene is rendered on a plain background, contrasting with the vibrant colors of the figure. This is an illustration capturing character and costume in a detailed manner.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor, gouache, pen and ink, and graphite on paperboard

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 40.9 x 27.9 cm (16 1/8 x 11 in.)
    Original IAD Object: 15 1/2" high

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.16672


Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1970

  • Hornung, Clarence P., Treasury of American Design, New York: 1970, p. 637, no. 2300.

Inscriptions

lower right in black ink: W.P.A. / William E. Kerby

Wikidata ID

Q64637605

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