ART DOLLS

Artist dolls

the Art of the doll

The emergence of this art has its roots in antiquity, dating back to the civilizations of ancient Egypt and Greece, where they were often made from natural materials such as clay, wood and stone. Their use had various meanings, ranging from the ritual role, where they were placed with the deceased to accompany them in the afterlife, to their use as educational tools or simple objects of entertainment for children.

During the European Renaissance, dolls became fashion accessories for children of the nobility. Often made from precious materials such as porcelain and ivory, those that have come down to us still reflect the social status and wealth of their owners.

With the advent of industrialization in the 20th century, the old porcelain dolls, quickly made of vinyl and then plastic, became increasingly popular toys that were quickly taken over by marketing. However, from the 1980s new materials allowed the arrival of collectible dolls. These soon reached an unprecedented level of artistic expression with the emergence of artist dolls or more commonly "art dolls". This trend is marked by the return of high-quality craftsmanship, sometimes associated with luxury where handmade dolls become true artistic creations. Often in limited or even unique editions, “fashion dolls” are designed as works of art in their own right. Contemporary dolls have continued to evolve, becoming coveted pieces by collectors around the world, not only for their aesthetics, their historical dimension, but also for their speculative value.

Sewing

Sewing artist dolls is a meticulous and highly specialized process, where each step is carefully executed to result in creations of exceptional quality. The artisan designers use complex patterns to create tailor-made outfits, enhanced with refined lace and carefully selected old fabrics. Each piece is handcrafted with remarkable attention to detail, and premium materials such as silk are favored for their luxurious texture. Likewise, the accessories are meticulously handcrafted, giving an undeniable authenticity to each creation.

The sculpture

The creation of the heads constitutes an essential step in the process of creating these unique pieces. The artists, with their know-how, bring expressive faces to life by carefully sculpting every detail. They use various materials such as polymer clay, resin or clay, employing modeling or molding techniques to obtain precise features. This step requires particular attention to detail and artistic sensitivity to capture the essence and personality of each face. Then, the head sculpts are hand painted to add subtle details, like eyes, eyebrows and lips, giving them a vibrant look.

The eyes

The first dolls with moving eyes were discovered in archaeological digs in Egypt. Glass eyes appeared in the 19th century, providing a more realistic and durable alternative. In the 20th century, technological advances allowed the manufacture of acrylic glass eyes, providing a beautiful palette of colorful irises for artisans and collectors. Today, doll eyes are available in a wide range of styles, materials and colors, allowing doll designers to choose eyes that perfectly match the spirit of their collectible doll.

Fashion dolls are a diverse category of dolls characterized by their style and representation of fashion. They vary in size, materials and design, providing a wide range of options for collectors and enthusiasts. Some dolls embody fantastical or historical characters, while others represent contemporary figures. Features may include fashion accessories, interchangeable clothing, and themed accessories. These dolls often serve as a source of inspiration for creativity and self-expression, reflecting current fashion trends and cultural interests.

Haute-couture dolls

between tradition and modernity

Atelier Figurart reproduces and modernizes the dolls of yesteryear to adapt them to current trends and tastes.

Doll making is a complex and painstaking process, characterized by a combination of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary techniques. Artists use a variety of materials, such as resin, vinyl, porcelain and fabric, to bring their creations to life. Every step of the manufacturing process is meticulously executed by hand, from initial design to final finishing, including sculpting, casting, painting and sewing. Artists can sculpt a prototype in clay, then create a silicone mold to faithfully reproduce every detail. Materials are carefully selected to ensure the dolls' durability and aesthetics, while painting and makeup techniques create realistic expressions and finishes.

The hair

Doll hair is designed with a variety of materials, each offering unique characteristics. Synthetic hair, made from fibers like nylon or, offers a diversity of colors and styles, while being durable and easy to maintain. In contrast, natural hair, such as mohair or angora wool, is prized for its soft appearance and increased realism, although maintaining it requires more care. Some artisans even prefer to use real human hair for luxury dolls.

Makeup

Painting and makeup on a collectible doll's face is a meticulous technical process. This stage of manufacturing brings the doll's features to life. Artists often prefer oil paint for its long-lasting properties and ability to reproduce subtle details. With a diverse palette of pigments, each stroke is rendered with precision, using techniques such as shading and washes to create lifelike expressions. This attention to detail helps capture the unique personality and character of each doll.

the body

Traditional doll body making involves the use of artisanal techniques, combining materials such as synthetic fiber filling, cotton and metal frames. The artist begins by creating a skeleton, sometimes articulated, to provide the structure and pose of the doll. Then he uses cotton or other cushioning materials to give shape and volume to the body. These materials are carefully selected to ensure both strength and softness of the doll's body.