#100

Early Obergammerau Wooden Doll with Fully-Articulated Body
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Live Auction

Onsite
Passed
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Estimate
$8,000 / $11,000
Description
13" (33 cm.) Carved wooden socket head with solid dome, well-defined carved ears, brown enamel inset eyes in well-defined sockets, brushstroked brows, closed mouth with slightly-upturned lips, defined nostrils and philtrum, all wooden body with plump childlike proportions, dowel-jointing at shoulders, elbows, hips and knees, defined fingers and toes, wearing original costume of elaborately-detailed silk and brocade with gilt metallic and glass jeweled accents, matching cap. Condition: some typical scuffing and wear to original patina, painting is all original. Comments: Obergammerau region of Germany, mid-1700s. Value Points: the rarity of the doll is enhanced by its most expressive facial expression achieved by deeply sculpted features, fully-articulated body. With blue ribbon award UFDC Chicago 2000.
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Stuart's Take

At some point these very early Obergammerau dolls will have their moment. And everyone will look back and wonder why they didn't realize it before. So incredibly rare, and so distinctive and unique, they stand alongside period early wood dolls from England as being the foundation of all commercial doll making. They are one of the interesting extensions from Continental Neapolitan dolls of the 17th century that would later influence more traditional doll making. One can truly see the bridge of that period in the style of face, material, and the incredible articulation of the body as it took the earlier Italian style to an entirely new level.. Truly, one of my picks of the auction as a true treasure of artistry.