#107

Rare French Bisque Smiling Doll, Model 203, from Jumeau Character Series
Live Auction

$25,000
sold
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Description

22" (56 cm). Bisque socket head depicting a wide-eyed child with beaming smile, blue glass paperweight inset eyes, dark eyeliner, painted lashes, brushstroked brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth modeled as though open with row of sculpted and painted teeth between the shaded and outlined lips, wide beaming smile, separately applied pierced ears, auburn mohair wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden fully-jointed body. Condition: professional well-done overpaint on the forehead and a small plaster reinforcement on inside at the side crown rim, although no flaw is apparent inside or out with lighting search; the original painting of all facial features (brows, lips, etc.) is perfectly preserved. Marks: 203 (incised) Depose Tete Jumeau Bte SGDG 10 (and art checkmarks on head). Comments: Emile Jumeau, circa 1892,from his art character "200" series introduced for commission production; few models of the highly characterized bebes were ever made. Value Points: wonderfully expressive and rare character bebe with lovely complexion and painting, original body, wearing superb antique bronze green silk dress with cerise velvet and silk ribbon trim, watch and fob, undergarments, knit stockings, leather shoes signed Bebe Jumeau Depose.