About Pierre-François Jumeau From a foreword to The Jumeau Book, written by Jacqueline Grenier, great-granddaughter of Pierre François Jumeau “In my mind’s eye I see his portrait hanging in the living room between two windows with stiff red satin ropes: his large, light blue eyes observe you with intensity, his face expresses invincible energy. He was stubborn and unyielding, yet just. His grandchildren used to say that when he corrected behavior he spoke sharply, concisely and with discrimination; his tone was authoritarian. His best friend a large Pyrenees dog named Balarias. PierreFrançois was creative and decisive, an administrator and an exporter, with a genius for interior decorating, beauty and elegance: he was designated as an “Artistic Manufacturer” at the World’s Fair of 1849. He was a levelheaded artist, asked reasonable prices for what he made, and feared no competition.” 8
1. Outstanding Grand French Bisque Portrait Poupée by Pierre-François Jumeau 32” (81 cm.) Pressed bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulder plate, grey glass inset eyes with spiral threading and darker blue outer rims, thick dark eyeliner, delicately-painted lashes and brows, mauve eye shadow, accented eye corners and nostrils, closed mouth with pale outlined lips, separately-applied pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, kid poupée body with gusset-jointing at elbows, hips and knees, stitched and separated fingers and toes, beautifully costumed in pale rose silk gown with lace trim, matching ruffled bonnet, undergarments, leather shoes. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Pierre-François Jumeau, circa 1875, the grand size and superb quality of the poupée indicates its likely creation for exhibition purposes. Value Points: very rare size enhanced by splendid modeling and delicatelycomplexioned bisque with softest blush enhancing the cheeks, chin, eyelids, and ear lobes, very sturdy original body. $7500/9500