Rare French Bisque Double-Face Poupee, Leon Casimir Bru, Wooden Articulated Arms

Live Auction

15" (38 cm.) Solid domed bisque swivel head, flat-cut neck socket on bisque shoulder plate, a different facial model with painted features on either side of the head, one face with sculpted frown lines, squinting eyes, closed mouth, tiny beaded teeth and "frowning" brows; the other face with a beaming smile, sculpted laughter crinkles around the eyes, impressed dimples, painted graceful brows and tiny beaded teeth. The wig pivots horizontally from an axis at the level of the ear to alternately reveal either face while the wig hides the other face. With original deposed Bru kid poupee body with square-cut collarette, gusset jointing, shapely torso,and wooden arms with dowel articulation at shoulders, elbows and wrists, separately sculpted fingers, wearing fine antique gown, undergarments, and leather boots. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Leon Casimir Bru, the earliest version of his 1867 depose for "Poupee Surprise"; made for one or two years only. Value Points: very rare model with superb quality of bisque and painting, original Bru body with wooden articulated arms, lovely costume.