[Venetian Blackamoor Doll]. 18th Century Doll in Elaborate Dress. Venetian Blackamoor doll, ca. 1760 - 1795. Wood body, handmade velvet and silk clothing decorated with gold brocade, dark brown beeswax head with inset Venetian glass eyes, and real tightly-curled human hair inset into the wax head. Mounted on a 19th century silver-painted wooden base. Height (with hat) - 11.25" (28.5 cm) / Base - 2" x 4.5" (5 cm x 10.5 cm)


The very beautiful Venetian doll has a strong and expressive presence. Standing, with his arms at his sides and slightly to the front, he looks straight ahead. His red and indigo costume is highlighted with gold-thread hand-woven lace, his head made of a very dark brown beeswax, inset with Venetian glass eyes and tiny curls of real human hair. The hands feet and body seem to be made of wood, probably covered in plaster or some coating and painted, and his removable hat is made of off-white silk and also decorated with gold lace.


In a remarkably well-preserved state. The clothing showing light wear, tiny holes, and tiny stain spots; the gold lace is in very good condition with light wear and tiny breaks; the wax head shows light wear, a few very small fissures, and a flattened nose; traces of red paint at the lips remain; hair is almost all present and in good condition. The right foot may have been repaired and repainted and the base is likely 19th century and shows some wear. This is a rare example of an early Italian Blackamoor doll in very good condition. Blackamoors of this type, with wax heads and glass bead eyes, are exceptionally rare.