#32

Mid-18th Century English Wooden Doll in Original Panniered Gown
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Live Auction

Ch*****02
$40,000
sold
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Estimate
$22,000 / $26,000
Description
20" (50 cm.) All-wooden doll with one-piece head and torso, high domed forehead above square-shaped jaw and tiny pointed chin, angular nose, oval-shaped black enamel inset eyes, dot painted lashes and brows, closed mouth with single lip line having upturned edges suggesting a smile, carved ears, brunette hair wig, elongated throat, shaped bosom and tiny waist, cloth upper arms, wooden lower arms with fork-shaped hands, wooden legs with jointing at hips and knees. Condition: original painted-over-gesso finish is well preserved except nose rub, museum notes indicate some restoration to limbs although imperceptible. Comments: English, mid-1700s, the facial model is quite distinctive. Value Points: striking presence, the enigmatic lady is wearing original yellow silk gown with dramatic panniers held by under fitted hooping and with delicately silk floral and vine embroidery, woven petticoat with India print floral border. Also included is original bone-fitted linen corset, two pockets (one of golden brocade silk), and green hooded cape. The doll is shown in the book The Heart of the Tree by Rosalie Whyel and Jill Gorman, page 38, with the notation "she has acquired the name "Lady Rottingham" at some point in her long history.