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HERE’S A LIFE-SIZED, MALE WAX HEAD, 1920s FRANCE that I consider to be incredible. Think of the French artisan who made this... using real human hair, piercing blue eyes made of glass and porcelain teeth—reveling in getting every detail just right. This life-like object was probably used as a display for fabric collars and bow ties in a haberdashery shop. It stands just over 2 feet tall, and is mounted on a marble base. The condition appears to be excellent. My only suggestion—he could use some teeth whitening.Stay tuned tomorrow, when you’ll get to see “A Very Fine Lady From Italy.” Maybe they’ll get together.
To learn more about this object (like the price), you’ll have to contact the dealer:
Robollo Home
1776 18th Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: 415-575-1776
E-Mail: info@robollo.com
The fineness of the features, delicate brow, full lips...I wonder if that was initially a female mannequin head repurposed with manly hairstyle and clothing? Unsolved mysteries!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever seen a Victorian funerary doll, also called mourning doll? I remember seeing one in a doll museum many years ago. It was quite eerie and stunning. Life size of a little girl. I don't think a lot of people are aware these dolls were made.
ReplyDeleteWhen a child died a family would have a wax life size figure made of the child using their hair and clothing. The figure/doll would then be placed in the nursery to remind other children of the child who had passed. I'm trying to imagine what sort of mental scaring these figures had to have on kids just wanting to play in the nursery.
This head reminds me of the little girl.
Wow, two of you think this could be a female head and you could be right. It is quite feminine - but I attributed that to the artist's manner of work.
ReplyDeleteAs for Victorian funerary dolls,I have never seen one but am going to look for one on-line. Gotta learn more!
Thanks for the comments!