Elegant French fashion doll dating from the second half of the 19th century, featuring a polychrome papier-mâché head with finely hand-painted facial details. Its expressive face is enhanced by large fixed eyes and an open mouth revealing two small teeth, a characteristic feature of high-quality French dolls of the period. The body is fully leather-covered with articulated limbs, allowing for remarkable flexibility and posing. Offered without clothing, this doll is a fine collector’s piece. It recalls the productions of the great French doll makers of the late 19th century, although no firm attribution can be made in the absence of a maker’s mark.
*Capipote* This term, of Catalan origin, literally means “head and foot” (*cap i pota*) and perfectly describes the very structure of this type of religious sculpture. The Virgin’s head, hands, and feet are finely carved and polychromed, while the body consists of a simplified torso extending into an original blue gown; the figure is designed as a mannequin intended to be dressed in rich garments and ornaments suited to various liturgical feasts.
Schiaparelli said of her two mannequins: “Pure Greek beauty, supple and dignified… gazing with calm indifference at the crowds who stare at them open-mouthed.”
The designer named these mannequins Pascal and Pascaline.
Wooden armor holder, used to present both all pieces of armor: helmet, gambison, chain mail.
19th century
“Pure Greek beauty, supple and dignified (…) who gazes with calm indifference at the crowds who gaze at him speechless.”
This conjurer’s automaton was probably a boutique model. wood and papier-mâché, glass eyes, original collar and bow tie, mechanisms in perfect working order,
19th century,
Italy