The centennial celebration of the Ballets Russes in Paris provided the theme to Theriault’s July 12 doll auction because featured on the cover of the auction catalog was a rare French doll made in Paris in 1915 that had a close relationship with that iconic ballet troupe.
The doll was designed by French artist Albert Marque, and is known in doll collecting circles simply as Marque. Only 100 examples of the doll were made, and each was costumed to particular specifications, representing persons of the Eighteenth Century French court or in traditional Russian folklore costumes. These were also the prevailing themes of the Ballets Russes of the era, and it is believed that Marque was influenced by, if not closely collaborating with, that group.
The Marque doll sold at Theriault’s auction, #21 of the series, was identified on his foot as “Danseur Russe #2,” and costumed in Eighteenth Century style in silks and velvet. Offered from the private collection of Eredi Di Adriana Bracco of Milan, Italy, the doll sold for $263,000, reaching a new world record price for a doll, according to Theriault’s..
Bidding between two private collectors from Boston and California was sustained, pausing at times, then quickly moving forward again until it was finally won by the floor bidder to the applause of the hundreds of attendees at the sale.
Other dolls from the Bracco collection of Milan highlighted the important auction, including an 18-inch French bébé A.T. by Thuillier that went to $64,960; a 15-inch Bébé Mothereau that doubled its high presale estimate selling at $19,040; a 28-inch Bébé Triste by Jumeau that went to $28,000, while a smaller size, 9 inches tall, topped at $23,520.
A rare model Jumeau bébé E.J.A. went to 26,880, and a 22-inch Bru Jne from the classic era realized $44,800. “Bidders fought ferociously for these rare and beautiful French dolls,” said Stuart Holbrook, auctioneer and president of Theriault’s. “There were few dolls that did not exceed their high presale estimates, some dramatically.”
Theriault’s summer auction also offered many curiosities and little treasures. “Every collector is important to us,” said Holbrook, “so our aim is to offer the best of the best in categories and all price ranges.” Accordingly, a simple cloth doll, mostly undocumented in doll literature, by Englishwoman Florence Webb, circa 1918, went to $4,256, double its presale estimate, and a bisque lady with sculpted flowing brown hair and fancy necklace realized $4,480.
The bisque portrait doll of Princess Juliana by Gebruder Heubach reached $21,840; a Nineteenth Century fan with a hand painted scene of a merchant presenting a doll to a gathering of ladies went to $2,912; and an early wooden doll with very shapely ankles reached $17,920 (presale estimate was $7,5/12,000). A 10-inch cast iron lawn mower, probably a salesman’s sample, but perfectly sized for doll display, sold at $1,456, and a masked face all-bisque naked bathing beauty lady with a mandolin, strummed her way to $1,568.
All prices reflect the 12 percent buyer’s premium.
Theriault’s next catalog antique doll auction is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, in Scottsdale, Ariz. For information, www.theriaults.com or 800-638-0422.
