An elegant bisque poupee is standing behind a dressing table as though preparing herself for an evening's gala. The poupee has bisque head with blue glass enamel eyes, closed mouth, and highly refined complexion and painting of features, blonde mohair wig in original coiffure, and separate bisque shoulderplate and bisque lower arms, carton torso and legs with elaborate jointing mechanism at hips allowing bending motion. The lady is costumed in an extraordinary ivory and maroon silk satin gown with elaborate embroidery, jewelry, and holds a powder puff in right hand and a mirror in the second hand. The lady is attached to the wooden toilette table by a metal rod; the table is decorated with rich silk and lace trim and has a mirrored back and gilt ormolu crest. Movements: the lady stands upright, leaning backward and turning her head to gaze into the hand mirror held in her uplifted right arm; she nods approvingly; then leans far forward to look into the toilette table mirror, lifts her left hand and powders her nose. The very rare automaton, of which few are known to exist, was offered in the first catalog of the prestige Paris department store, Au Louvre, in 1878. Named Poupee a Sa Toilette, the catalog described her rich costume with extended train, and toilette table garnished with mousseline and silk damask, and concluded its description with the remark "article tres riche." France, circa 1875. 24" to top of mirror. Seven movements. Two tunes.