19th-Century Child Mannequin w/ Leather Torso and Ebonized Wood Base - 33½"

Gracefully proportioned, this petite French child-size dressmaker’s mannequin from the Napoleon III period features a leather-covered torso with a rich, naturally mottled patina on a turned, ebonized wooden column and tripod base. A small wooden finial crowns the neck, and a brass thumb screw on the column allows height adjustment. The darkened, crackled leather has a wonderfully tactile quality that evokes a sense of presence and quiet nostalgia. While this example bears no maker’s mark, similar models were produced by noted Parisian firms such as Stockman, whose mannequins played an important role in the development of standardized sizing in the late 19th century. This sculptural mannequin adds depth and individuality to an interior, whether placed on a console, vanity, or studio counter. Compact yet striking, it creates visual rhythm and balance. The textured leather and dark base make a sophisticated statement beside painted walls or antique mirrors.