Milliner's Model Doll with Apollo Knot Hair

Milliner's Model Doll with Apollo Knot Hair, c.1830
Germany
Papier-mâché, cotton, wood, leather and chemise; 23 in.
86.17.1 This beautiful example of an early German-made Milliner's Model doll is remarkable in condition and rare in size, measuring at least twelve inches taller than average. The head made of papier-mâché has hand painted details and features the striking Apollo Knot hairstyle primarily depicted on early molded hair paper-mâché head dolls of the period. The Greek-inspired hairstyle was popular among women in the 1830’s until mid-1840 who neatly arranged their hair (and sometimes false hair pieces and decorative ornaments) prominently upon their heads. Six individually molded braids are seen encircling the pronounced topknot diagonally from left to right. The name Milliner's Model is unusual for these dolls since very few examples are known to have worn hats; the origin of the term has only been speculated about. The body of this doll is formed of cotton, a restoration that differs from the original sewn kid body. The arms, legs, feet and hands are of carved wood. The hand-sewn dress is made of sheer fabric and three petticoats are tied at the figure’s waist with narrow drawstring tapes. Originally dressed dolls such as this offer historians rare glimpses into the actual underclothing worn during the period represented. In this particular instance the doll illustrates the fact that women of this period did not wear pantalettes, panties, bloomers or drawers. All images and text under copyright. Please contact Collection Department for permission to use.