SALE Early 19" Antique Wooden Glass Eyed Figure Portrait of a Man

Dolls : Antique : Wood

 

This is a wonderful early antique 19" tall figure. It is a superb portrait of some unknown man. This may have been a church figure representing a saint, though I have come to refer to him as Ichabod Crane. He must date to at least the 1800s.

The body from toe to top of head is all wood. The torso was dressed in a heavy cloth which was then coated with gesso and paint to stiffen it. There are 2 gold painted buttons on the front, and a blue painted sash around the waist. Over time the cloth has shed a good bit of the gesso and paint, especially from the lower areas.

In my opinion the arms are a more recent addition, replacing originals that were lost. The quality of the modeling of the arms is not consistent with the rest of the figure - though I'm sure he appreciate having any arms rather than none at all.

The face is the most arresting part of this figure. It is an amazing portrait in wood. This man was balding. His remaining side hair is worn over the collar length and is gray blond in color.He has a strongly jutting slightly cleft chin and a rather beaky nose. There is a faint indication of a 5 o'clock shadow of beard on his clean shaven jaw line. His glass eyes are slightly small and deeply set. Wonderful!

Condition: Replaced arms. Obvious paint loss to clothing. Also some paint loss on the head,mostly on the back and top of the head, and other high points. Some paint crackle noted on face as well.

I wish I knew who he represents. He is impressive enough to have won a red ribbon at the UFDC 2005 convention in Philadelphia. His ribbon travels with him.

Item ID: Hmin608

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Layaways and offers considered. Combined shipping discounts on multiple purchases.