Circus Wagon Figure: "Dancing Girl"

1935/1942

John Matulis

Associated Names
John Matulis

Artist, American, 1910 - 2000

The sculpture depicts a figure called the "Dancing Girl" in a standing pose with one arm raised and resting on her head, and the other arm hanging at her side. The girl appears to be wearing draped clothing that wraps around her torso and hips, with one leg slightly forward. The sculpture is crafted from wood and has a weathered appearance with patches of light brown, gray, and hints of blue. The surface exhibits a textured, aged look with signs of wear and faded paint. The figure stands on a small base, and her hair is styled in a knot on the top of her head. The overall form is proportionate to human dimensions, suggesting lifelike characteristics in terms of size.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor, graphite, and gouache on paper

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 62 x 26.6 cm (24 7/16 x 10 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.9202


Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1952

  • Christensen, Erwin O., Early American Woodcarving, New York: 1952, p. 56, fig. 17.

1970

  • Hornung, Clarence P., Treasury of American Design, New York: 1970, p. 603, no. 2159.

Inscriptions

across bottom in watercolor: DANCING GIRL

Wikidata ID

Q64583807

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