Rare Mid-19th Century Artist Mannequin in Grand Size

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34" (86 cm.) All-wooden with solid bald head, swivel neck, carved definition of facial features including eye outlines, nostrils and lips, two-part torso with defined ribbing and swivel ball waist, dowel-jointing at shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips and knees, defined finger and toe nails. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: the artist's mannequin forms, described in German wholesaler catalogs as "academicfiguren" appeared as early as the late 18th century, and were made in 19 sizes, designed for use as models in art studios. The design was used by Leon Casimir Bru for his 1867 deposed poupee body, of which it is a near exact copy except with refined finishing of the wood. Value Points: important study figure in 19th century doll history, this being one of the largest sizes made.