Rare French Bisque Bebe by Mothereau with Unique Expression and Unusual Markings

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16" (41 cm.) Bisque socket head with long-faced modeling, very full cheeks, blue glass inset eyes with spiral threading and darker iris rims, thick dark eyeliner, delicately painted lashes, mauve blushed eye shadow, short feathered brows, accented eye corners, shaded nostrils, closed mouth with defined space between the shaded and accented lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, original French composition and wooden fully-jointed body with straight wrists, lovely antique costume with lace bretelles. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: J (Masonic symbol) M (scrolled letters). Comments: Mothereau, circa 1880, several markings were used by his firm, this being the rarest. Value Points: the rarity of the bebe is rivaled by its exquisite beauty, distinguished presence, and fine quality, original body and body finish.The doll is featured in the book The Rose Unfolds by Rosalie Whyel and Susan Hedrick, page 107.