Automata

Musical automaton "Elegant lady harp-player"

    Musical automaton "Elegant lady harp-player"

    France, Paris

    Сirca 1865

    Alexandre Theroude

    Papier-mâché, porcelain, wood, metal, fabric; sewing, mechanical works, painting

    Height 48 cm

    On the figure nape: "DÈPOSE TÊTE JUMEAU". Handwritten inscription on the mounting plate: "Femme"

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    Musical automaton in the form of a girl in the bouffant bright blue satin dress, seated on wooden stand pasted over with brown velvet and trimmed with openwork metal edging. The dress with deep neckline, combined sleeves and layered skirt is finished with wide lace. Lace collar with four rows of pearls is on her neck. The head, neck, the chest upper part, shoulders and hands are of unglazed porcelain. Blue eyes are from glass. Eyebrows, eyelashes, lips, nostrils and crimson cheeks are painted. Wig made of blonde natural hair. Earrings of light blue beads are in the ears. Blue satin shoes are on her feet.

    Wooden harp with sixteen strings has a red body with blue soundboard, red column; base and the bowstring frame are gilded and decorated with carving. The musical movement with cylinder and sound comb for two tunes and mechanism that controls the automaton movements are mounted in the stand. Winding hole and activating button are on the right-hand side. When the mechanism is activated, music is played, the girl's head turns to the sides and leans forward, her hands are plucking the harp.

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    Инв.1992/ММП