Automata

Musical Automaton "Writing Pierrot"

    Musical Automaton "Writing Pierrot"

    Bule

    1970

    Bertrand Michel

    Wood, metal, papier-mâché, fabric; Mechanical and carpentry work, polishing, sewing, painting

    60x55x37 cm

    On the plaque: “Michel Bertrand Bullet VD Switzerland,” on the lamp body: “Lampe Pigeon/Garantie VERITABLE”

    further...

    On a polished wooden stand made of valuable wood sits a black table with curved legs and a shaped tabletop covered in reddish-brown leather with gold embossing. On the right side of the table, under the tabletop, there is a metal plaque with the name of the master. Under the table lies a fringed rug. Behind the table sits a figure of Pierrot on a chair with curved legs and velvet upholstery. The figure of Pierrot is dressed in a traditional white theatrical costume, featuring a white satin blouse with wide sleeves, a voluminous collar made of sheer fabric, and large black pom-poms as buttons. Shirt cuffs peek out from the sleeves. He wears loose pantalones and satin shoes with black pom-poms. His head and hands are made of papier-mâché and painted a flesh color. The face is adorned with white makeup, complete with drawn black eyelashes on movable eyelids, eyebrows, beauty spots, and bright red lips. The eyes are glass and blue. On his head is a dark blond wig and a black knitted cap with a fluffy pom-pom, edged with white trim. Pierrot's left hand, with an index finger raised, rests on the tabletop. In his right hand, he holds a large black feather, beneath which lies a postcard. On the table stands a copper kerosene lamp with a spherical transparent shade, alongside a copper inkwell with a lace-like lid. Inside the figure is a mechanical program automaton that controls the movements of the figure with a spring motor. There is also a musical mechanism with a program cylinder for two melodies and a sound comb. Tucked under the blouse is a winding key and a start button. When the mechanism is activated, music plays, the lamp lights up, and Pierrot turns, raises, and lowers his head, while the feather in his right hand moves across the lines of writing. After a while, Pierrot's head lowers, his eyes close, and he falls asleep. The lamp goes out. Then, Pierrot jerks, wakes up, and looks at the extinguished lamp. With his left hand, he adjusts the wick, and the lamp shines brightly again. Pierrot finishes writing the letter.

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    Инв. 2113/ММП