Carving of a Woman in Two-tone Boots

Circa 1905-1910: Standing nearly 14.5" tall, this exquisite white pine carving of a woman wearing only a pair of two-tone lace up boots retains its original paint decorated alligatored surface with especially detailed calf length boots that are even painted on the bottoms of the soles. The woman has excellently carved and painted facial features and hair that is parted in the middle with two braided rows in the back. Ladies two-tone front lacing boots came into style about 1905 and were out of fashion by 1910, and this carving's hairstyle was in vogue during the first decade of the 20th century. Note the articulated arms that give the woman a kinetic quality similar to that of the day's whirligigs. The figure's hands are well carved, and the body's curves are naturally portrayed down to the slightly bent knees, which leave the woman in an uncontrived and comfortable pose. This is an outstanding example of antique American naive folk art carving with interesting and unusual subject matter. Condition is excellent with expected wear and crazing to to paint commensurate with age and use. Provenance: Ex Greg Kramer