American Cloth Folk Art Doll with Naively Oil-Painted Face and Hair

Live Auction

26" (66 cm.) All-cloth doll whose firmly stuffed head is formed by side seams and back seam that extends over the crown and onto the forehead,painted pale complexion that is emphasized by painted black curly hair,brown outlined eyes with shading and accent dots,black brows,outlined nose,daintily painted mouth,heavily stuffed torso,stitch jointing at shoulders,elbows,hips and knees,painted stockings and black one-strap shoes,antique costume and bonnet. Condition: generally excellent with light rubs on her hair and typical craquelure. Comments: American,late 1800s,unknown folk artist. Value Points: most charming presence,the doll's curiously "grown-up" face with compelling solemnity was likely occasioned by the artist's unschooled painting skills.