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| A Doll from 1505 |
On a semi-regular basis, I receive questions about creepiness working in and around antique doll genre. When it’s in reference to my dolls, I convey the expressions were drafted to be true to the art and also as least creepy as possible. Most of the time, folks do not get uncomfortable around my dolls. Especially when using the portrait and details of the original dolls as points of reference.
Observing that men are more likely nervous then women around old world style dolls. Taking that into consideration whom is asking questions on the topic. Did have a conversation about the creepiness of the children holding the dolls much more disturbing than the dolls themselves. Which I do agree from an art perspective, about the proportions of children are challenging in general. Adding into previous, children wearing adult like clothing for the time period. There is just something different about the depictions of children in the 16th and early 17th centuries that is slightly unsettling.
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| Next Doll Project |
I receive comments on the Annabelle (haunted doll) from the recent horror movie. Especially since my second doll Elizabeth Regina which I used my own hair to make the wig. Apparently that was a level of dedication to art that is rarely seen. I do have plans for one other of my dolls to have a wig made from my hair. Made a small discover researching post period dolls from the 17th and 18th centuries. The glass eyes didn’t come into use for dolls till 1700. The information was for comparison of transition of body shape, clothing, techniques and materials used. It’s always good to know more than less especially when in a particular topic specialization.
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Close up of upcoming Doll
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Many of wooden peg dolls, some of these colonial dolls seem to have glass eyes. Set in sockets with glue then covered over with clay to make eye lids and then painted to a fashionable pallor. The depth and texture of the glass making the expression much different for the ending look of the doll. Glass at this later time is more affordable than in the earlier century. So many guilds were able to make small details for these dolls and other colonial goods. The facial expression makes a difference as well, some of these seem angry. Although the placement of the eyes is a large part of the rest of the look conveyed. Some folks eyes err close together others too far apart. Now some of this is the difference in skill I know what is proportionally correct bs what they were able to produce and the time period.
So when discussing in the future I have more facts to provide for comparison and constrasting the changes in technology. Creepy dolls are officially post period but creepy child portrait paintings are period. Amusing information all in its full glory, also powerful even if creepy.
If you want to read more about the history of creepy dolls. Here is a Smithsonian article that is up your alley.
The History of Creepy Dolls
Never Dull,
THL Marrin O’Kealy
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