Pair of French Bisque Art Characters,Nenette and Rintintin,designed by Poulbot

Live Auction

14" (36 cm.) Each has bisque socket head with highly-characterized facial expression depicting a gaunt-faced child with well-defined cheek and temple bones,small dark glass inset eyes with deeply-sculpted eye sockets,sculpted heavy lids and creases under the eyes,ombre-tinted eye shadow,tiny nose with upturned tip,closed mouth with extended center line,original carrot-red mohair wig,paper mache body with jointing at shoulders and hips. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: SFBJ 239 Paris (incised,and incised signature Poulbot). Comments: the pair of dolls,named Nenette and Rintintin (which were the special names that Poulbot and his wife had for each other) were designed by Poulbot and created by SFBJ; they were offered for sale in Paris department stores for two seasons only,1914 and 1915,in an effort to arouse support for the war-orphans of Montmartre. Other French artists,including Albert Marque,were also involved in projects to encourage and support French culture. Value Points: the rare dolls are especially notable to find in their original pair; this example with flawless beautifully-painted bisque,original wigs,original bodies distinctive for this doll,and original factory costumes; a glass-framed wooden display case is included. The dolls have a poignant historical social basis,a touching personal story concerning Poulbot whose only child was adopted the year that the dolls were made,and are truly works of art.