Posed upon a green velvet covered base is a bisque-head doll with brown glass enamel eyes, closed mouth, especially beautiful painting of features, blonde mohair wig, carton torso and legs, and bisque forearms. She is wearing her original ivory silk satin dress with textured design to the fabric, very delicate lace cutwork overlay skirt with diamond points, matching bonnet, and holds a puff and mirror. The doll is marked Depose Tete Jumeau Bte SGDG 4, and the brass key is the unlettered Lambert model. The automata is presented under its original glass dome, on wooden platform, accounting for the fine preservation of the costume.
Movements: She turns her head to the right, nods, and lifts her right arm to powder her nose, then turns her head to the left and gazes into the mirror to see her flawless beauty. Music plays.
Historical References: The model appeared in the Lambert catalog as No. 26, Bebe Poudreuse. The costume was created in the Lambert ateliers under the direction and creation of Eugenie Bourgeois Lambert, wife of Leopold. A seamstress by trade at the time of their marriage, she held a position of prominence in the firm throughout its tenure. A contemporary account of the Lambert firm noted "the elegant workshop where seamstresses, milliners, and painters sit in bright daylight, giving the final touches to a masterpiece...thanks to the domestic collaboration in which [Eugene Lambert] plays such an important role." Circa 1890.