Mechanically Operated Toy

c. 1940

Nicholas Amantea

Associated Names
Nicholas Amantea

Artist, American, 1900 - 1978

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.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor and graphite on paperboard

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 44.5 x 35.3 cm (17 1/2 x 13 7/8 in.)
    Original IAD Object: 7 1/2" wide; 7 1/2" deep; 9 1/8" wide

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.15733


Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1970

  • Hornung, Clarence P., Treasury of American Design, New York: 1970, p. 631, no. 2275.

Inscriptions

lower right in graphite: N. Amentea

Wikidata ID

Q64618320

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