Doll
Object NameDoll
Date1875-1880
OriginHead: Germany Body: Germany
MediumHead: wax Body: kid/leather Limbs: leather-cloth upper arms; wax over composition lower arms
Dimensions21 in. (53.3 cm)
Other (Head): 6 1/2 in. (16.5 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 number8.13.1
Status
Not on viewCollections
Label TextThe first wax dolls were made of a mixture of wax and resin poured into molds. This practice helped to give the wax more stability, but many dolls still melted in the summer heat. Later, the dolls were actually wax-covered composition or paper- Mache. The facial features were often painted on before the heads were dipped in wax, which caused a milky appearance. Often the dolls were victim to their own cheap construction methods, such as one for hair insertion. In this procedure, a single cut was made through the center of the crown, causing the head to sometimes split in half. Because other dolls were more durable, the wax doll was popular for only a short time.
This doll can classified as a luxury doll, popular during the nineteenth century. Carefully inserted human hair covers her molded wax head and falls in long ringlets down her back. Dressed elaborately in ball gown and glass jewelry, the doll represents a woman of high social status prepared for a formal affair.
Locations
- (not entered) Iowa State University, Brunnier Main Storage
