$2,000
Sold
sold
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Description
20" (51 cm.) Each has poured wax shoulder head with very angular facial shape,sculpted wax
hair,enamel eyes,painted facial features,muslin body with wax lower limbs. Condition: Man
with periwig is excellent,other is excellent except only two fingers remain. Comments: Late
18th century,maker and country of origin is uncertain,according to research by Estelle
Johnston,the periwig man may represent Voltaire; at any rate,the modeling of each is singular
with highly-characterized features such as prominent nose,high cheek bones,strong
jaw,variations of hair style,and posing of fingers. Value Points: very refined portrait
models,each wearing his original costume including details such as spectacles and watch with
fob,and painted wax stockings on one. Ex-collection of notable early collector Estelle
Winthrop from whose auction the pair were acquired by Estelle Johnston.