#68

Very Rare French Ebony-Complexioned Bisque Poupee Attributed to Leon Casimir Bru
Live Auction

$9,000
sold
Hero Image
Click image to enlarge
Description
17" (43 cm.) Bisque shoulderhead of adult woman with rich ebony complexion, oval-shaped face and elongated throat, dark glass enamel inset eyes, black painted lashes, uniquely shaped nose, slightly-parted lips with two rows of tiny porcelain teeth, pierced ears, dark brunette human hair wig in ornate braided coiffure, black kid poupee body with gusset-jointing at elbows, hips and knees, stitched and separated fingers. Condition: generally excellent, body is original and in superb condition. Comments: attributed to Leon Casimir Bru, circa 1870, the doll is photographed in The Bru Book by François Theimer, page 23, along with commentary "the model is remarkable in its sculpting and probably represents the first example of a bisque doll with realistically sculpted ethnic features". Value Points: very rare doll with elegant proud demeanor, glowing complexion, near mint original body, wearing lovely silk antique costume, undergarments, bonnet, leather shoes.