Lucille Ball Art Appraisal

I Love Lucy Vitameatavegamin Barbie Doll

The item is a collectible doll, specifically a Barbie doll, portraying Lucille Ball as Lucy Ricardo from the iconic 'I Love Lucy' television series. The doll is depicted in a scene from the 'Lucy Does a TV Commercial' episode, where she famously advertises 'Vitameatavegamin.' The doll features auburn, curly hair styled in an updo, characteristic of Lucy Ricardo, and is adorned with a delicate black veiled hat. Her face has painted features including blue eyes, long eyelashes, and red lips, with pearl-like stud earrings. She wears a black and white gingham or houndstooth pattern dress with a white pointed collar, white cuffs on the sleeves, and a black belt with a rectangular silver buckle. In her right hand, she holds a small, dark bottle labeled 'Vitameatavegamin,' and in her left hand, she holds a small spoon, ready for tasting the product. The packaging is a clear plastic display box with a cardboard backing. Inside the box, alongside the doll, there is a small cardboard display resembling miniature bottles of 'Vitameatavegamin.' The background of the box further illustrates the scene, including a segment with the 'Vitameatavegamin' logo and the slogan 'SPOON Your Way to HEALTH.' The bottom left of the box features a large red heart with 'I Love Lucy' written in white script. Below the doll, the packaging clearly states 'Starring Lucille Ball as Lucy Ricardo' and '"Lucy Does a TV Commercial"'. The packaging also notes 'PRODUCT: I Love Lucy Doll' and 'CONTENTS: Barbie doll, hat, purse, shoes, spoon, bottle, display, doll stand, doll box'. The doll appears to be in pristine, never-removed-from-box (NRFB) condition, indicating excellent preservation. There are no visible signs of wear, damage, or repairs on the doll or its accessories. The box itself shows minimal to no wear, suggesting it has been well-preserved. This is a licensed product, likely produced by Mattel, reflecting a specific cultural moment, and designed for collectors. The attention to detail in the doll's attire and accessories, corresponding to the famous TV scene, indicates good craftsmanship and a strong appeal to fans and collectors of television memorabilia and Barbie dolls.