Superb Grand-Sized German Paper-Mache Lady Doll with Rare Coiffure

Live Auction

30" (76 cm.) Paper-mache shoulder head portraying an adult lady,having oval-shaped face with very elongated and strong modeling of throat,defined sculpting of facial features including eye sockets,and well-shaped nose and chin,painted upper-glancing azure-blue eyes,black upper eyeliner,feathered brows,accented nostrils and eye corners,closed mouth with accent line between the lips,and having modeled bosom. She has a slender kid body with wooden lower limbs,and painted yellow flat shoes,and is wearing a superb cotton/linen dress with tiny printed flowers,undergarments. Her sculpted black center-parted hair is arranged with two extravagant curly poufs at the sides,and captured at the back into two high looped curls that are wrapped with a very wide beaded or braided band; the hair is deeply comb-marked and has stippled details at the forehead. Condition: head is excellent and original with few very minor lines,body is reinforced at waist. Comments: Germany,circa 1840,the model is the Miss Unity symbol of UFDC and had special significance for Margaret Hartshorn for this reason; ex-collection Estelle Winthrop from whose estate the doll was acquired by Mrs. Hartshorn. Value Points: extremely rare model especially in this grand size,and retaining fine original complexion and richly painted and sculpted facial features,outstanding coiffure. A favorite doll of Margaret Hartshorn,the doll was an award winner at several exhibitions including a blue ribbon award from 1968 UFDC competition in Seattle.