Automata: Life & Other Illusions

Lot #3:

Acrobat Clown on Two Chairs Automaton.

Acrobat Clown on Two Chairs Automaton. Paris: Louis Renou, ca. 1910. The clown, his hands resting between two wooden chairs, slowly raises his body up, balancing on his hands, until the figure is entirely upside down, balanced precariously between the chairs. At each stage of his ascent, the figure pauses – somewhat dramatically – in anticipation of the next step in the balancing act. As the acrobat performs, an internal music box plays. The figure features a hand-painted head, glass eyes, mohair wig, wire arms, original silk costume with sequin-studded trim. On the original wooden velvet-covered base designed for a black art-type effect, giving the appearance of a simple floor board supported by two white wooden trestles. 15 x 8 ½ x 18”. Sold with a custom glass vitrine for display. VIEW VIDEO