$4,000
Sold
sold
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Description
18" (46 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulder plate, blue glass enamel inset eyes with spiral threading, thick dark eyeliner, painted lashes, wide feathered brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with upturned lip corners as though a gentle smile, generously-accented pale lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, kid poupee body with square-cut collarette, gusset-jointing at elbows, hips and knees, stitched and separated fingers. Condition: generally excellent, repair to kid at left upper arm, very sturdy body. Marks: G (head and shoulders). Comments: Leon Casimir Bru, the model, known as the "smiling Bru", was deposed by him in 1872, possibly inspired by the beloved Empress Eugenie who had fled England with her husband Napoleon III in 1870. Value Points: beautiful portrait poupee with finest bisque and painting, original body, original costume of black taffeta gown with lace trim, black velvet bonnet, undergarments, and leather boots.