Automata

Automaton "Clown with bottle"

    Automaton "Clown with bottle"

    France

    circa 1930

    Gaston Decamps

    Porcelain, wood, papier-mâché, fabric, metal; painting, carving, mechanical work

    15 x 22 x 42 cm, 3 kg

    On the key: "R D"

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    Automaton in the form of a clown’s figure with mandoline is mounted on rectangular stand, covered with yellow velvet and trimmed with multicoloured braid along the edges.

    The clown's head is made of papier-mache, his hands are biscuit, glass brown eyes, with the clown's make-up is on his face: red dots and curls; the tip of the nose is red; blue wig on his head. He is dressed in raspberry-coloured silk suit with striped lace and braid on the collar, sleeves’ cuffs and trousers. Inset with ornament made of cord and metal gimp, with buttons - is on the bodice. Belt of metallic braid is on the waist. Black knitted socks and white shoes are on the feet. The clown rests on the left leg; a bottle with black liquid is on the bended right leg.

    Spring-driven movement is fitted in the trunk, with a winding key and a retractable start/stopf button on the clown’s back.

    When the movement is turned on, the clown's right hand moves along the mandolin strings, he vigorously tilts the trunk to the right and left, as if balancing to keep the bottle.

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    Инв.1810/ММП