#166

Very Rare and Beautiful French Bisque Double-Face Bebe by Leon Casimir Bru
Live Auction

$13,000
sold
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Description
12" (30 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulder plate,the head with two different faces that are alternately revealed by pivoting the wig and bonnet back and forward. One face depicts a pretty plump-faced child with painted brilliant blue eyes,dark upper eyeliner,painted lashes,closed mouth with two rows of painted tiny teeth; and the other features a crying child with painted features,squinting eyes with black upper eyeliner,painted lashes,scowling expression,closed mouth modeled as though open and wailing. The wig is attached to a carton hood that pivots back and forward. The bebe has classic Bru kid bebe body with gusset-jointing,bisque forearms and separately-sculpted fingers,and is wearing a beautiful maroon sateen dress,fancy bonnet,undergarments,socks,red leather shoes,and also owns original bebe pique night wear. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Leon Casimir Bru,circa 1880,the model was an adaptation of the earlier double-face poupee deposed by Bru,and was only made for a very few short years. Value Points: among the rarest of the Bru bebes,this example with very beautiful bisque and painting,sturdy original body with perfect bisque hands.