Doll
Object NameDoll
Datec. 1900
OriginHead: France Body: France
MediumHead: bisque Body: composition and metal Limbs: composition legs, metal upper arms, bisque lower arms Clothing: silk and cotton
Dimensions20 in. (50.8 cm)
ClassificationsDolls, Doll Accessories, Toys and Games
Credit LineGift of Ann and Henry Brunnier. In the Ann and Henry Brunnier Collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
Object number8.10.1
Status
Not on viewCollections
Label TextThe craft of designing mechanical figures became very competitive during the eighteenth century, in the attempt to make dolls more lifelike in their appearance. Walking dolls were probably the first attempts in the mechanical doll industry. Even though the first walking dolls actually rolled along on three wheels, they were very popular to young and old alike. Other dolls which followed could do a variety of things, including speak, dance, play the piano, push a stroller and draw a picture.
This mechanical doll, made in France, has bisque head, shoulders, lower arms and hands. She is mechanized with a music box and holds in one hand a broken Punch puppet and in the other a handkerchief. Her face is molded with squinting eyes and an open screaming mouth. When the mechanical doll is turned on, she goes through the motions of lifting her broken puppet and wiping her crying eyes.
Markings211-impressed; stamped in red: DEPOSE TETE JUMEAU 4
Locations
- (not entered) Iowa State University, Brunnier Main Storage
