$1,700
Sold
sold
Click image to enlarge
Description
7" (18 cm.) Each representing a figure of the New
Orleans black community,posed as though at the
marketplace; with hand-sculpted wax face,tiny bead
eyes,painted features,waxed limbs,and wearing
hand-made cotton costume that is wax-dipped for
shape. Each is mounted upon its original wooden
stand. Condition: generally excellent. Marks:
Vargas,made in New Orleans (stamp on base of
each). Comments: Circa 1925,the wax figures were
created by Conception Vargas,daughter of the
celebrated 19th century Spanish wax sculptor
Vargas who immigrated to New Orleans; the figures
represented everyday people of the street in that
city and were offered solely through Harriet"s of
Rue Royale in the French Quarter from 1915-1930s.
Extremely delicate,few are found today. Value
Points: an exceptional group,the figures range
from poultry man to banana lady to beignet
peddler; each is different,and each is preserved
in a remarkably fine state with vibrant colors and
rich details.