French Poupee Mademoiselle Frou-Frou, Boston Pierre-François Jumeau

Live Auction

21" (53 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulderplate, blue glass enamel inset eyes with rich spiral threading, dark eyeliner, painted curly lashes, mauve-blushed eye shadow, widely-arched feathered brows, accented eye corners, shaded nostrils, closed mouth with beautifully-shaded lips, pierced ears, auburn mohair wig over cork pate, kid poupee body with gusset-jointing at elbows, hips and knees, stitched and separated fingers. Condition: generally excellent, some wear to body. Comments: Pierre-François Jumeau, circa 1870s, this model is considered his luxury poupee. Value Points: the gorgeous poupee is wearing superb costume of lace blouse, bronze silk skirt with extended train and elaborate construction with lace overlay, and is preserved along with two original trunks, each having canvas covers stenciled "Mlle Frou-Frou Boston". Along with an extensive trousseau comprising blue woolen equestrienne costume, black silk gown with overlay skirt and velvet banding, exquisite tablier with very fine embroidery, three-piece ensemble of brown/bronze silk faille, grey flannel wool hooded cape with soutache embroidery, black velvet jacket with passamenterie, brown velvet day robe with matching cap, textured cream flannel jacket with fringed hem, polished cotton hooded summer coat, five petticoats including extended train, three blouses with elaborate embroidery, three night gowns with embroidered yokes, two pantalets, and four chemises. Most of the undergarments have ink script "Frou Frou 1871". Provenance: included is a receipt from Weiner's Antique Shop of Boston, Mass, indicating that Beulah Franklin, purchased the "antique doll and two trunks and clothing" in 1975 for $1500. The doll was 104 years old at that time, and has remained in her possession until this present time. End note: the doll and trousseau was won at auction by Lorna Lieberman in March, 2017, in a special note of homage to her hometown of Boston; she has owned and loved the doll for several months until her move to a retirement home where space does not allow its presentation.