Very Rare French Bisque Double-Faced Character Bebe by Leon Casimir Bru

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21" (53 cm.) Solid domed bisque head with flat-cut neck socket, and having two faces (one revealed, the other under wig) that can be alternately revealed; one face with blue glass inset eyes, heavily modeled eyelids, painted lashes, brush-stroked brows, shaded nostrils, closed mouth with wide smiling expression, defined space between the shaded and outlined lips; the other face with scowling expression, very rosy complexion, brilliant blue glass spiral-threaded eyes, dark eyeliner, painted lashes, brush-stroked brows, shaded nostrils, closed "O"-shaped mouth with shaded tongue and lips. With brunette mohair wig, French composition and wooden fully jointed body, antique black velvet costume and cap. Condition: generally excellent, body is appropriate albeit not original. Comments: Leon Casimir Bru, circa 1885, the double-faced poupee was first deposed by Bru in 1867, and thereafter appeared in several variations which were not deposed, including this distinctive character-faced model. The luxury details of the doll include such aspects as unique sculpted ears for each face. Value Points: very rare character doll, especially in this large size, with exceptional quality of sculpting, complexion, and painting. The doll was awarded a blue ribbon at 1998 UFDC convention.