“The Straw Hat”, by Reubens, who is said to have been modelled by the artist’s future sister-in-law,��������� was the inspiration for this sumptuous model, ���������(centre in picture). The note on the label of this prototype reads “Please stitch blouse to dress to be as revealing as possible” – a look at the original painting (in the National Gallery, London) will explain why!
This is the middle doll in the picture of three.