Early French Bisque Bare-Foot and Bisque-Hip Bebe by Steiner

Live Auction

13" (33 cm.) Solid domed bisque shoulder head with very pale complexion,almond shaped blue glass enamel inset eyes,dark eyeliner,painted lashes,rose-blushed eye shadow,feathered brows,accented nostrils,closed mouth with accented lips,blonde mohair wig,fabric-covered upper arms,legs and midriff,bisque hips,bisque lower arms and hands,bisque lower legs with bisque feet,antique lace dress,undergarments,leather shoes. Condition: generally excellent,left hand restored. Comments: Jules Steiner,circa 1870,the model was inspired by the Japanese Ichimatsu baby shown at the London Exposition of 1855 and later created in both France and Germany in paper mache versions; the Steiner bebe was the first model made in bisque and is a historically significant doll,often considered the beginning of the French bebe movement. Value Points: the historical significance of the doll is enhanced by its great beauty and quality.