Rare Grodnertal Wooden Gentleman in Original Costume

Live Auction

10" (25 cm.) One-piece carved wooden head and torso, unusual exaggeration of the heart-shaped elongated face, strongly-defined chin and broad forehead, painted black hair, painted facial features and complexion, stern expression, dowel-jointing at shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. Condition: original finish is well-preserved, rubs to hair at crown and back. Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1820, the doll is shown in Ackerman's Dolls in Miniature, page 33, described as a "splendid and rare specimen". Value Points: distinctive and compelling facial shape, the low-centered features enhancing the high brow, wearing his original gentleman's costume of the era.