Ch*****02
Highest Bidder
$58,000
Sold
sold
Click image to enlarge
- Estimate
- $14,000 / $18,000
Gold Horse ListingDescription
18" (46 cm.) Bisque portrait head with elongated ridge-edged neck rim on matching bisque shoulderplate, oval-shaped slender face, cobalt blue glass inset eyes, dark eyeliner, painted lashes, arched feathered brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with heart-shaped upper lip, accented lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, slender kid poupee body with gusset-jointing at hips and knees, bisque arms to above the elbows, right elbow modeled bent, separately sculpted fingers. Condition: generally excellent, body is very sturdy and fresh, right arm has hairline near elbow. Comments: French, circa 1867, the model is attributed to the firm of Dehors, of which the doll division was overseen by Alexandrine Dehors. Value Points: rarity factors include stunningly beautiful portrait face, original wig with elaborately fitted snood, bisque hands, and wearing original silk costume with glass beaded edging and grey velvet ribbons, undergarments, leather shoes.
Stuart's Take
I'm a fan of Huret, sure. But, from a standpoint of rarity blended with a regal presence, can anything come close to the Dehors fashion? It adds a completely different perspective of "face" and gives personality to the fashion doll beyond the classic look. In any discussion of the doll as a work of art, this is tops on my list of examples.