10″ Porcelain “Michael” from the Picture Perfect Babies Collection by Yolanda Bello. “Michael” came with the following information from Ashton Drake:
“Although he’s dressed like a real “big leaguer,” little “Michael” may be yet a bit too young to actually play the game. But no matter…”Michael’s” having lots of fun rolling his little baseball back and forth to Daddy.
Doll artist Yolanda Bello has the uncanny ability to depict youngsters at their most expressive moments, as they laugh, play, and reach out to us in spontaneous joy. With “Michael“, Ms. Bello creates a skillful portrait of a modern little boy, responding fully to the love and pride he sees in his parents’ face. So realistic is “Michael’s” pose and outfit, that even we may tempted to roll his ball to him, then coax him to roll it back!
“‘Michael‘” is the kind of baby who reaches out to you, both with his hands and his eyes,” says Ms. Bello.”His innocent anticipation inspired me; he became a little fellow with big dreams we all understand.”
Ms. Bello’s “Michael” is a sculpture work of the highest degree, lifelike and appealing. “Michael’s” whole body leans forward with finger outstretched as he reaches for the ball. His sweet little mouth is pursed in concentration, and his big brown eyes show his serious attention to playing this new game. Even his feet are individually sculpted, shaped with naturally curled toes as on a real baby.
The skilled hand of a master painter enhances “Michael’s” lifelike appearance. His head, hands, legs, and feet are hand-painted in delicate flesh tones. The cheeks are blushed with warm highlights; the hands and feet are subtly shaded. What’s more, “Michael” eyes are hand set-not painted-adding to the illusion that this a lively baby boy.
“Michael” wears a bright red baseball cap with a coordinating long-sleeeved T-shirt under a two-piece pinstriped uniform with knit collar and cuffs. His initial is appliqued on his shirt and cap, and on the back of his uniform is an applique that shows he “Number One” with everyone that sees him. Even his hand-stitched baseball has been proportionally designed just for him…”
I would purchase Michael in 1990 directly from the Ashton Drake Galleries.
