Painted polychrome papier-mâché marotte with applied printed paper, depicting a female figure with black hair and a scalloped bodice.
Marked on the base: PAINDEBLED, as well as “Cork padding, patented SCDG”, Paris.
Marottes appeared in the second half of the 18th century and were used as supports for headpieces when they were not being worn. As the marotte was shaped like a real head, it helped keep the headdress properly pressed and in shape; milliners and bonnet ironers therefore frequently used marottes in their work.
19th century, Paris
Height: 38.5 cm
Width: 15 cm
Depth: 20.5 cm
