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Doll 1 – “Wheat Harvester” / Moissonneuse de blé
This lovely traditional French wheat harvester stands approximately 12 inches tall and retains her original box.
The terracotta base bears a hand-inscribed signature by French artist and ceramist Simone Jouglas. She is beautifully dressed in layered Provençal floral fabrics with a wide straw hat, apron, head covering, and bundles of natural dried wheat.
Condition:
The fabric remains in excellent vintage condition with no fading or tears noted. Small transfer stain on bib area from the terracotta. Because the wheat is genuine dried material, a few pieces have naturally broken or flaked away over the years. This is age-related wear and is visible in the photographs. The doll was stored in her original box for many years, which has helped preserve her clothing and colors exceptionally well.
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Doll 2 – Traditional Provençal Flower Seller / Marchande de fleurs
This beautifully detailed doll stands approximately 10.5 inches tall and depicts a traditionally dressed Provençal woman holding a bouquet of flowers.
The terracotta base is hand-inscribed by renowned French santon artist Claude Carbonel, with the reverse also hand-inscribed “Provence.” The figure features layered floral fabrics, a lace-trimmed bonnet, shawl, apron, and hand-modeled facial details characteristic of traditional Provençal folk figures.
Condition:
The fabric remains in excellent vintage condition with no fading or tears noted. The original paper wrapping around the bouquet has become somewhat brittle and has crumbled away in areas with age. The original flowers were replaced with white decorative flowers at some point. Please review photographs carefully for these details and overall condition.
Together, these two dolls make a particularly special pairing, with one signed by Simone Jouglas and the other by Claude Carbonel, two notable names associated with traditional Provençal santon artistry!
Smoke free & packaged with care 📦
About the Artists:
Simone Jouglas (1907–2001)
Simone Jouglas was a celebrated French santonnière and ceramic sculptor from Provence, widely recognized for elevating the traditional santon habillé, or dressed santon, into a highly collectible art form. Trained at the Marseille School of Fine Arts and originally skilled in ceramic dentistry, she brought an unusually precise understanding of facial anatomy and expression to her figures.
Jouglas began creating clay figures during World War II and established her Marseille workshop in the 1940s. Her distinctive santons featured hand-sculpted terracotta heads, hands, and feet combined with carefully tailored traditional Provençal clothing. Many of her expressive faces were inspired by real people and village characters from southern France.
Her craftsmanship earned major national recognition, including the prestigious title Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 1965, an honor reserved for exceptional French artisans. Her work was also used as distinguished presentation gifts, helping introduce Provençal folk art to collectors around the world.
Today, original signed Simone Jouglas santons are prized for their craftsmanship, character, and importance within the history of French decorative and folk art.
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Claude Carbonel (1941–2016)
Claude was a highly celebrated and influential French santonnier (maker of traditional Provençal nativity figures) based in Marseille, France. He holds a prominent place in the history of this art form due to his lineage and innovations.
Claude was the son of Marcel Carbonel, who is widely considered one of the most legendary figures in the history of Santons de Provence and a recipient of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France honor.
After training under his father for more than five years, Claude branched out to establish his own independent workshop, Santons Claude Carbonel, in 1966.
