Jm Madariaga Appraisal

Vintage J.M. Madariaga 'Don Nicanor' Rubber Figurine

This is a rare vintage caricature figurine, identified as 'Don Nicanor,' a character created by the Spanish artist Jose Maria Madariaga. The item stands approximately 10 to 12 inches tall and is constructed from a molded rubber or latex material, which was characteristic of Spanish toy manufacturing in the mid-20th century, likely dating to the 1950s or 1960s. The figure features a highly stylized, elongated neck, large protruding ears, a bulbous nose, and an expressive, slightly bewildered facial expression. He is wearing original fabric clothing consisting of a beige button-down shirt with a brown bow tie and matching trousers. A small tricolor ribbon (red, white, and blue) is pinned to his peaked cap, and a tiny artificial rose remains pinned to his shirt pocket. Condition shows significant signs of age; the rubber has darkened and developed a heavy patina with visible surface soiling and minor cracking typical of aging latex. The fabric clothing is stained and faded, particularly on the shirt front. Despite the wear, the figure remains structurally intact and retains its original accessories, including the shoes and cap. Such pieces are highly collectible examples of mid-century Spanish pop culture and satirical art.