Neopolitan Presepio Doll Representing Saint Teresa of Avila

Live Auction

15" (38 cm.) Terra cotta head and shoulder plate,brown sculpted hair in long flowing curls,brown enamel eyes in deeply-set eye sockets with encircling rose shadow,aquiline nose,closed mouth modeled as though open with row of sculpted teeth,hemp-wrapped body with expressive fingers. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Neopolitan,early 19th century,the figure represents Saint Teresa of Avila,the 16th century Spanish mystic. Value Points: highly- characterized expression is aptly achieved and perfectly-preserved,wearing original black silk gown and veil with elaborate gold silk thread embroidery.