Portrait Doll by Van Rozen with Brown Complexion and Superb Marquis Costume

Live Auction

15" (38 cm.) Bisque socket head with very rich dark brown complexion,highly-characterized expressive features depicting a broadly smiling gentlemen,brown glass inset eyes,dark eyeliner,painted lashes,black brush-stroked brows,rounded nose,closed mouth with wide beaming smile,pale lips,painted teeth,pierced ears,white human hair periwig with long braid,French brown composition and wooden fully-jointed body. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Van Rozen France Depose (raised letters). Comments: Circa 1915,designed by artist Jeanne Van Rozen in the early 20th century; the artist was noted for her animal sculptures created in bronze yet at one point sculpted two different facial models for dolls,one solemn,and the other (this example) smiling. According to The Encyclopedia of French Dolls by Theimer "it is likely that only a very few were ever made". Value Points: very rare artist-designed doll with wonderful expression,fine flawless bisque,original body,wearing fine original silk Marquis costume and carrying wooden violin.