Doll of Madame Helena Modjeska
ClassificationsFurnishings-Recreation-dolls
Subject
Madame Helena Modjeska Chlapowska
(1840 - 1909)
Dateearly 20th Century
Made AtCalifornia, United States, North America
MediumCloth, velvet, fur and lace
Dimensions22 1/2 in. (57.2 cm)
Credit LineGift of Ellen K. Lee
Object number40618.1
DescriptionThis is an early 20th century doll made in the image of Polish-born stage performer, Madame Helena Modjeska. Nascia Skovronska, Madame Modjeska’s friend, stage dresser, and personal maid, made this nearly two-foot-tall doll of Modjeska in her role of Mary Stuart.The doll was made several years after Modjeska passed away in 1906, and was given to the wife of Modjeska’s dentist, Mary Hester McCoy. Mary McCoy also knew Modjeska and had, like Nascia, been friends with her when she was alive. Modjeska's Mary Stuart costumes were in two styles - a white one worn early in the play, and the black one with red applique trim and the white veil, seen here. The red undergarment was the only garment worn by the original Queen of Scots when she lost her head. Asked by a newspaper man in Los Angeles why the red, Modjeska said, "So the blood won't show when I get my head cut off."
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