Reflections of the South |
In the days of old on the street corners of the Vieux Carre' sat the Praline Seller. Her voice echoed through the French Quarter. "Pralines for Sales, Pralines for Sale, sweet delicious Pralines." Pralines are a tasty mixture of sugar, milk, butter, and pecans. This African American Doll was inspired by George Francois Mugnier's photo dated 1895. The Praline Seller Doll is pictured below seated on a hand-crafted cotton bale designed by Brian Bernard. A basket filled with hand-sculpted pralines lays upon her lap. This African American Doll is 16 inches in height and is dressed in a dusty blue and white print dress. A gray woolen shawl is draped over her shoulders. (Note: Jewelry and dress fabric/print may vary depending on availability). JoAnn has made a handmade wig from gray mohair strands. A red bandanna holds her hair away from her face. The Praline Sellers has two distinct features one is her bare feet and the other is the praline that is sculpted in her left hand. Accessories are gold hoop earrings and a golden brooch. JoAnn's unique body design allows her to be positioned in various ways by bending her arms at the elbow joints and by bending her legs at the knee joints. This feature adds to the life-like quality of the piece. Accompanying the character doll is a booklet and display card designed by JoAnn to include; the number of the piece, the inspirational sketch, a short bio, and a story about the character. All clay pieces are limited editions of 500. A numbered and signed Certificate of Authenticity is also provided with the character doll. Click on the sample booklet for an Original New Orleans Praline Recipe.
The Praline Seller Back to African American Dolls |
Sample Booklet NAVIGATIONAL TIPS
ŠJo Ann Bernard |
JoAnn's Comments: The photographs of Mr. Mugnier can be seen in the book "Louisiana Images 1880-1920, A Photographic Essay by George Francois Mugnier," the Praline Seller is on page 9. I hope to have captured the essence of this New Orleans Praline Seller, she is truly a New Orleans treasure.
Original African American Dolls recreating Louisiana Life in the 1800's. Learn about Louisiana Culture through this African American Heritage Doll collection inspired by sketches, photographs and stories of the 1800's. These African American life like hand made dolls have attached booklets and display cards with short historical essays about the character. All dolls are reproduced in clay using JoAnn Bernard's plaster molds developed from her original doll designs. Doll wigs, clothing, dress designs, and props are all handmade by the artist.
Menu Options |
|||||
Home Page |
![]() Louisiana Heritage Dolls |
![]() Figurines, Sculptured Slates and Inspirational sketches |
![]() Oil Paintings |
![]() Duck Carving |
Doll Making Techniques/Bio
|
For more information email: jo_ann_bernard@southernelegance.net