35" French Paper Mâché Doll – Pauline, c.1850, Andreas Voit

In the 18th century, luxury fashion dolls known as Pandoras were reserved for the aristocracy, but by the early 19th century, their descendants—the so-called Pauline dolls—became beloved among the growing bourgeoisie. These early dolls were handmade, with heads crafted from wood or molded papier-mâché (often imported from Sonneberg, Germany), while the bodies were assembled and dressed in France, particularly in the Parisian market district where dollmaking thrived. This tradition explains the variety of bodies we see today, from leather to canvas examples.

This beautiful and exceptionally large papier-mâché doll is a striking example, most likely attributed to Andreas Voit, circa 1850. She features a finely modeled head with painted features, inset glass brown eyes, and a charming open mouth showing both upper and lower teeth—details that bring her to life with remarkable presence. Her body is crafted from articulated leather, a construction typical of fine dolls of this period.

Adding to her charm, the sole of her foot bears the handwritten name of the child who once owned her, along with a place in France, a poignant reminder of her personal history.

She has survived more than 170 years with dignity, showing expected signs of play and age, including some wear to the body and an old repair to the back of her head. She comes dressed in the clothing she arrived with: a simple but endearing antique cotton dress, lace bonnet, and little leather boots, all adding to her authenticity and character.

Though I am not a doll expert, the photographs speak for themselves. This is an extraordinary piece of history—a rare survivor of early dollmaking, ready to be cherished by a serious collector or museum.

✨ Highlights:

• Large 19th-century French doll, attributed to Andreas Voit

• Papier-mâché head with painted details

• Glass brown eyes, open mouth with upper and lower teeth

• Articulated leather body

• Provenance: handwritten name and location under sole

• Antique clothing and boots included

• Height: [insert measurement if you have it]