Marotte - Mannequin - Hatmaker's Head - Anthropomorphic Sculpture - Folk Art

Late XIXᵉ century

France

Carved wood hatmaker's form head, pertaining to artisanal productions related to the clothing trades at the end of the XIXᵉ century.

A monoxyle sculpture, this form adopts the features of a stylized male face. The modeling is sober and direct: broad forehead, straight, protruding nose, incised mouth, slightly deep-set gaze. The whole exudes a calm, restrained presence, with no marked search for expression.

The function of these objects is precise: to serve as a support for making, forming or displaying hats. The circular piercing visible under the base enabled them to be fixed to a support or workbench, ensuring stability and repetition of the gesture.

Contrary to the standardized industrial forms of the early XXᵉ century, this example retains an entirely manual character. Volumes are not perfectly regular, traces of tools remain visible, and the face is not totally symmetrical.

While not originally decorative, it is by no means neutral.

The face is simply posed, without effect, but it imposes itself nonetheless. This slight discrepancy between function and presence gives the object a particular reading.

The surface is marked by time: numerous xylophagous insect bites, tool marks and shrinkage cracks. A longitudinal crack runs across the back of the head, following the grain of the wood, without compromising the stability of the whole.

Initially intended to be covered, this object appears today in its raw state. The use has disappeared, but the form has remained.

Detached from its original function, it now stands out as a fully decorative element, where the simplicity of the modelling and the presence of the face take their full place.

Condition : Good overall condition. Insect bites, shrinkage cracks including one main through crack (no structural damage), wear consistent with an antique craft object.

It's a very nice piece.

Dimensions : Height : 25 cm

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