Extraordinary and Unique Masquerade Figure by Estelle Johnston

Live Auction

24" (61 cm.) Inspired by studies of historical masquerade figures,and utilizing an early 19th century wooden artist-mannequin figure as a basis,the dual-figure portrays on one side a young woman,and on the other an old man,each with hand-sculpted "mask",the young woman with cut-out eye sockets to reveal the painted eyes beneath,blonde mohair wig styled with "horns",and a very voluptuous figure beneath her 16th century style Venetian gown; the old man with a sculpted wizard's image,specifically Merlin,with painted eyes and face,flowing white beard and hair,and costumed in black velvet robes fashioned from the remains of a Frederick Worth gown of the late 19th century. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: the masterpiece was designed and created entirely by Estelle Johnston in the 1980s and was shown on the cover of Doll News,Summer 1992,along with a detailed article describing its inspiration and work. Value Points: extraordinary workmanship of the one-of-a-kind dual masquerade figure whose costume includes wooden chopines (platform shoes) with hand- painted detail and fringed vellum flag-shaped fan with oil-painted scenes; Merlin owns a crystal ball on silver chair and a pet dragon perched on his shoulders.