French Bisque Poupee "Phenix" with Rare Deposed Body by Benoit Martin

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18" (46 cm.) Bisque swivel head with very angular shape on kid-edged bisque shoulderplate, large brown glass eyes, dark eyeliner, painted lashes, dark feathered brows, aquiline nose with accented nostrils, closed mouth with center accent line, pierced ears, brunette mohair wig over cork pate, wooden and metal body with elaborate articulation based upon patent designs of Benoit Martin allowing infinite flexibility of all joints especially the legs so the doll could sit easily, unusual ball-jointing with shaped balls to fit neatly into curved openings of lower arms and legs, gutta percha hands. Condition: generally excellent, few scuffs on arms, hands not original. Comments: Benoit Louis Martin, his deposed model named Phenix was registered in 1863. Value Points: few examples of this extremely rare poupee with ingenious and distinctive articulation are known to exist.