Barbie by Mattel originally was meant to portray the all-American teenager, but over the years Barbie has had multiple careers and appeared in many roles. Our trove now has some true Barbie treasures, Barbie as European royalty, dressed in historically accurate and sumptuous costumes. These dolls are part of Mattel's Gold Label limited edition series, "Women of Royalty." This suitably majestic Barbie represents Queen Elizabeth I.
The elaborate costume was clearly inspired by the famous 1592 portrait of "Good Queen Bess" by Flemish artist Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger.
The resemblance to the portrait, including the detailed jewelry, is remarkable.
This limited edition doll was issued in 2004 and appears never to have been removed from from her original display box.
Here Barbie appears as the Empress Josephine, the consort of Napoleon, in her coronation robes. The elaborate gold embroidery includes tiny gleaming bees. The golden bee was long associated with French royalty and Napoleon chose it to represent his status as emperor and as a symbol of his legitimacy as the ruler of France
Her opulent outfit closely copies that worn by Josephine in Jaques-Louis David's 1807 painting, "The Coronation of Napoleon."
Issued in 2005 in a limited edition of 4,500, this doll is still in her original box and does not appear to have ever been removed.
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All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!
3-1858, 3-1859
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