Outstanding French Bisque Art Character Doll by Albert Marque, #7 from the Series
Lot #17
22" (56 cm.) Bisque socket head whose unique highly artistic sculpting is achieved by a four-part mold, elongated slender throat that accentuates the plump lower cheeks and chin, pronounced definition of facial structure especially at her temple and cheek bones, softly rounded nose tip, hazel-brown glass paperweight eyes, thick dark eyeliner, painted dark curly lashes, brush-stroked and feathered brows, accented eye corners, shaded nostrils, closed mouth with solemn expression on the outlined lips, distinctively modeled pierced ears, original brunette hand-tied human hair wig, original uniquely modeled body with elongated tapered-shape torso, wide hips, undefined waist, composition upper arms, bisque lower arms with bisque attached ball joints at the elbows, separately sculpted fingers, wide upper thighs, elongated lower legs with shapely calves, elongated narrow feet. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: A. Marque (incised signature) 7 (red ink number on head). Comments: France, circa 1916, designed by noted Parisian sculptor Albert Marque, as part of a movement to re-invigorate the French doll industry; the movement involved sculptors, porcelain firms, fashion designers and virtually the entire art community including the blossoming Parisian Ballets Russe. Albert Marque, the noted French sculptor was thus commissioned to design a doll that reflected the actual expressions and moods of childhood, rather than the idealized dolls of the late 19th century. Even the body was uniquely designed for the doll by fellow artist, Aristodeme Botta, who aimed to create a model that "combined the strength and grace typical of that age", that is, an older child. The artistic doll of Albert Marque was first presented at an exclusive exhibition at the fashion boutique of Parisian art patron, Margaine-Lacroix. It is believed that only 100 models of the Marque doll were created, of which this is #7 in that series. The doll is wearing its original costume from the Ballet Russe costumed set, of extraordinary gold metallic fabric trimmed with rich braids, turqoise and pearl beads, and with purple and blue velvet jacket and cape, and an elaborate gold metallic-fabric headdress with five large turquoise beads, original stockings and shoes. The doll and its costume are in virtually mint condition, with flawless and exquisite bisque, enhanced by its early presence (#7) from the mold. Provenance: the doll was acquired directly from the Margaine-Lacroix Paris exhibition in 1915, and many years later was presented to that owner's son and daughter-in-law who founded the Museum of Old Dolls and Toys in Winter Haven, Florida. There the doll stood center-stage for decades. When the Museum closed its door 31 years ago, in 1984, the doll was acquired by its present owner in whose home it has resided since.
