Onsite
Highest Bidder
$85,000
Sold
sold
Click image to enlarge
- Estimate
- $14,000 / $18,000
Description
19" (48 cm.) All-cloth doll, stitched-on head with pressed, stiffened and oil-painted facial features and hair, stitched-on ears, large outlined brown eyes, single stroke brows, closed mouth with center line between the pale outlined lips, brown painted hair with two shaded ringlet curls in front of ear and feathering at back of head, muslin stitch-jointed body with oil-painted lower arms and legs, wearing original linen dress with soutache embroidery, undergarments, blue kidskin shoes and flannel cape with braid trim. Condition: generally excellent, original finish with typical light craquelure. Comments: Izannah Walker, circa 1870s. Value Points: artistically painted features especially of eyes and matching ringlet curls, antique costume.
Stuart's Take
The dolls of Izannah Walker have truly reached the consciousness of collectors in becoming the quintessential American doll of the 19th century. It defines so much of what we imagine of that time in this country. That is, the essence of a doll as it relates to Americana. Blend the endless stories of Izannah Walker alongside her being one of the earliest American female entrepreneurs and it leaves one to wonder when a proper documentary will be made on the life of this remarkable woman.